Metastatic Breast Cancer in the Lungs: Symptoms and Diagnosis

October is observed as breast cancer awareness month worldwide. Breast cancer is a common type of carcinoma seen in women, and 1.3 million women per year are diagnosed with breast cancer. When a tumor or cancerous cells start spreading to various parts apart from its original site, the cancer is said to have metastasized.

Metastatic breast cancer to the lungs refers to tumor cells that initially developed inside the breast tissue but has spread to the lungs. This usually indicates stage 4 of breast cancer.

How does the spread occur?

As the tumor cells within the breast multiply and grow, they can sometimes break away from the primary tumor sites and travel to secondary tumor sites where they invade the nearby tissues. The lungs are among the most common areas. 

This migration usually happens through the circulatory or lymphatic system. Once these cancerous cells reach the lungs, they start forming new cells in the secondary site. Breast cancer can spread to multiple areas at the same time. The most common locations are the bones, followed by lungs, liver, and pancreas. Irrespective of the spread, it’s still considered as breast cancer and treated in the same way.

In some cases of breast cancer metastasis to lungs, the tumor cells may survive the initial treatment and remain dormant before regrowing in the primary site or spreading to other areas of the body. The doctors call this recurrent breast cancer.

What happens when breast cancer spreads to the lungs?

Breast cancer cells can form or deposit in the region of pleural space (space between the outer lung and chest wall). This will cause an excess build-up of fluid in this region leading to malignant pleural effusion. This can worsen the symptoms of cancer in the lungs. Let’s talk about the sign and symptoms of lung metastasis.

Initially, the symptoms might be dismissed as the flu. But if a person has a previous history of breast cancer, these symptoms should not be disregarded:

• Pain and discomfort in the chest and lungs.
• Persistent cough.
• Dyspnea or shortness of breath.
• Wheezing. 
• Coughing up mucus or blood.
• Fatigue. 
• Reduced appetite.
• Weight loss.

Diagnosis

The doctor should ensure that the metastatic tumor found is a secondary tumor and not primary lung cancer. The doctor concerned would first order imaging tests like CT or MRI, followed by bronchoscopy, lung needle biopsy, or surgery to remove the cells. This is done to confirm that it is the breast cancer metastasized to the lungs.

Treatments

Breast cancer treatment in Delhi NCR involves systemic medications, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, etc. With advanced technology and healthcare solutions, Dr. Manish Singhal, the best cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, provides the best cancer treatment in Delhi. Dr. Manish Singhal is considered the best oncologist in Delhi, and his expertise in the field has rendered fruitful results to many patients.

He has been successfully helping patients fight this dreadful disease and has given them a ray of hope for survival. Considering his competency and knowledge, he is the best cancer doctor in Delhi and should be consulted if needed. Dr. Manish Singhal, the renowned cancer specialist, works with his team to provide treatment to every patient even during this time of crisis- the current pandemic.

With his expertise in dealing with oncological emergencies and updated knowledge in chemotherapy, immunotherapies, and hormonal therapies, he is, without a doubt, the best breast cancer treatment doctor in Delhi NCR.

What is the prognosis of breast cancer that has spread to the lungs?

Stage 4 breast cancer means cancer has reached the most advanced form and usually not curable. The treatment mainly focuses on weakening the tumor and preventing further growth. For metastatic breast cancer in the lungs, the 5-year survival rate is up to 22%. Though a few patients may not find the treatment quite effective, controlling the cancer cells and stopping further growth is a positive outcome.

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