Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Cancer is a disease which can occur in any part of the body. The main reason why cancer develops is because of uncontrolled growth of certain cells in the body, which can be cancerous in nature. Individuals from all age groups can get affected by cancer in any part of their body. Breast cancer is one such cancer, which can affect both men and women, but is more dominant in women as compared to men. Though this cancer can be seen in women who are above 50 years of age, there are a few cases of young women who may also develop breast cancer. There are four breast cancer stages, depending on the severity and metastasis of cancerous cells. Out of all the stages, stage 4 breast cancer is the most severe kind. This is because the cancerous cells have spread or metastasized to other parts of the body. Hence, this cancer in the last stage is also known as metastatic breast cancer.

Breast Cancer: An Overview

Breast cancer, also called as malignant breast neoplasm in medical parlance, is categorized into lobular carcinoma and ductal carcinoma. Lobular cancer develops in the lobules of the breast, which are the milk producing parts. On the other hand, when the cancerous cells develop in the tubes or ducts carrying milk from the breasts to the nipples, then it is known as ductal carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma, or DCIS breast cancer is non invasive in nature but has the tendency to spread to other parts of the body. The frequency of women suffering from ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer is higher as compared to women suffering from lobular carcinoma.

An excess of the hormone estrogen in the body can be one of the causes why some women may get affected by cancer. An abnormal level of this female hormone in the body can trigger the uncontrolled growth and development of breast tumors. If any woman has a family history of breast cancer or if she inherits a faulty gene from the parent, then she is more susceptible to breast cancer. Breast cancer research is under progress in order to reduce the risk of breast cancer and prolong the life of the affected individual. Let us discuss about the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of stage 4 breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, the early symptoms of breast cancer are not so evident. These symptoms surface only when the cancer has progressed. A self exam is always advisable to check for the presence of lumps or any outgrowths in either of the breasts. Given below are some of the signs of breast cancer in young women.

    * One of the early symptoms of breast cancer is noticing a hard lump in the breast. The presence of this lump can be near the areola or the armpit and can be felt while bathing.
    * The size and color of nipple may change. In some cases, the areola may change its appearance and resemble a lemon peel. Breast soreness or tenderness can be experienced on touching.
    * Some women may also notice secretions from the breast, which may range from clear, milky white or yellowish, to bloody in color, as one of the breast cancer symptoms.
    * Other symptoms of breast cancer may include pain in the cheat region, which may radiate to the arms, generalized body weakness, nausea and unintended weight loss.

Stage 4 Breast Cancer Treatment

Before administering breast cancer treatment, the doctor may conduct a few diagnostic tests like blood tests, physical exam to check for the size of the lump, and also MRI and CT scans of the affected breast. A biopsy, where a small sample of the breast tissue is removed through a syringe and tested if it is malignant or benign, is also conducted. A positive result may indicate that the person is suffering from breast cancer. Once all the diagnostic tests are carried out and the staging is done, then the doctor may administer treatment according to the stage of cancer at which it was diagnosed. The patient may undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy to destroy the harmful cells. In case the cancer has metastasized, the patient may have to undergo mastectomy, where the entire diseased breast is surgically removed.

The stage 4 breast cancer prognosis depends on the age of the individual, the diagnostic stage of cancer and the response to the treatment administered. The breast cancer stages survival rate and breast cancer stages life expectancy mainly depends on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. However, the survival rate of stage 4 breast cancer is lower than the other stages, which is very unfortunate. But thanks to modern medicine, the life expectancy of the patient has improved and the patient can lead a near normal life.

Though stage 4 breast cancer survival rate is not so optimistic, the stage 4 breast cancer life expectancy of the patient can be improved with proper cancer treatment and care. It is also important to spread the awareness of this life threatening disease. Hope you found this article on stage 4 breast cancer helpful and informative. Take care!