What Causes Metastatic Breast Cancer?
In most cases, metastatic breast cancer is caused by cancer cells that remain in the breast after initial treatment. It may take many years for this process to happen. Cancer cells will be dormant for months or years before some risk factors cause them to multiply and spread to other parts of the body. It is worth noting that cancer cells will exist in both the breast and the affected organs at the same time. Scientists have not fully understood the underlying mechanism. Depending on the affected parts, symptoms and treatment options can vary. [7]
How Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
If you get a diagnosis of breast cancer and experience signs that may suggest that cancer cells have spread to other organs of the body, your doctor would suggest some tests to verify it. Common options may include X-rays, a bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, PET scan, as well as a CT scan. The results may help identify the presence of cancer cells in specific parts. If you have some symptoms of metastatic breast cancer in your lungs, your doctor would perform further tests, such as lung needle biopsy, bronchoscopy, or even a surgical procedure to evaluate a part of these organs. [8]
