Metastases on the spinal column | Metastasis in breast cancer

Metastases on the spinal column

The skeleton is a relatively common site for metastases of breast cancer. Nearly 3 out of 4 organ metastases of breast cancer are located in the bone. In particular, the individual vertebral bodies are frequently affected by cancer cells, which can have various consequences.

In general, the prognosis for bone metastases of the spinal column is better than for metastases of the lung or brain. Metastases in the spinal column can cause symptoms at an early stage and can be decisive in the detection of cancer. They are often conspicuous by back pain.

Likewise, fractures of the vertebrae can occur without the use of strong force. In diagnostics, they can be easily detected by means of a CT examination, as they have a much different tissue structure than the remaining bone tissue. Bone metastases of the spinal column can then be irradiated. In addition, certain medications must be prescribed to stabilize the bone structure and protect it from pain and fractures. The main focus in the treatment of spinal column metastases is pain therapy, since strong, movement-dependent pain can occur as the disease progresses.

Metastases on the skin

Skin metastases of breast cancer are relatively rare and, like bone metastases, have a relatively good prognosis. Typically, they initially look like pimples that develop into small nodules. Later they can blush and develop like an ulcer. Skin metastases typically affect the abdomen, chest or back, but can theoretically occur in all parts of the body. With modern procedures, but also surgically, the metastases on the skin can often be removed easily and therefore have a high chance of healing.

Metastases in the intestine

Infestation of the intestine by breast cancer is very rare. The cells can, for example, reach the intestine via already existing metastases in the liver. Since these cases are very rare, specially designed therapies must be provided for this particular case. Intestinal metastases can, above all, be treated well by surgery. However, in the case of very advanced breast cancer with low chances of cure, the benefits of such a radical intervention must be weighed against the subsequent limitations after surgery.

Breast cancer stages

Tumours are classified by the so-called TNM classification, among others. The presence or absence of metastases is decisive for this classification. The T stands for tumour and refers solely to the extent of the primary tumour.

N stands for “nodes”, i.e. lymph nodes. N0 means that no lymph nodes are affected. In breast cancer, a further distinction is made between N1 to N3, whereby each number can be further subdivided into a and b.

The classification of N1a to N3b depends on how many lymph nodes have metastases and where these lymph nodes are located. M stands for distant metastases. Here, we only differentiate between M0, i.e. no distant metastases, and M1, which means that distant metastases are present. In general, the higher the TNM stage, the lower the chances of recovery.