What are the symptoms of metastases? | Symptoms of breast cancer

What are the symptoms of metastases?

Breast cancer metastasizes in two different ways. On the one hand via the lymphatic system and on the other hand via the bloodstream. This can result in either lymph node metastases or metastases of various organs and bones.

These lead to different symptoms. First, the metastases are spread via the lymph nodes. This is usually not noticeable symptomatically.

At best, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area can be felt as small nodules. They are usually not painful and do not react sensitively to pressure. From this point on, when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, the bloodstream is also affected.

This preferably results in metastases in the bones, lungs and liver. Typical symptoms of bone metastases are back pain and bone fractures. An infestation of the liver can cause abdominal pain and liver dysfunction.

This disturbance of organ function can manifest itself as jaundice (icterus). The lung infestation can manifest itself as chest pain, pain when breathing, shortness of breath and coughing. Other organs, such as the brain and spleen, can also be affected. In principle, many more symptoms are conceivable.

Back pain and breast cancer

Back pain is one of the possible symptoms of breast cancer. However, they are not caused by breast cancer as such, but by bone metastases. These usually occur in the advanced stages of the cancer, when it has already spread through the lymphatic and bloodstream. In principle, bone metastases can occur in any bone and cause discomfort, but an affection of the spine and sacrum is very common in breast cancer. However, it is not only the metastases as such that cause back pain, but in extreme cases also bone fractures, which can occur more easily in bone metastases than in healthy bone.

What are the symptoms of a relapse?

A recurrence of the disease is the greatest fear of former breast cancer patients. The most frequent recurrences occur within 3 years after therapy. They can occur in the form of tumours in the breast or as distant metastases in various organs.

The symptoms that a relapse can cause are therefore very different. Similar to the primary disease, i.e. the first breast cancer, symptoms of the breast can occur. These include nodular changes, pain in the breast, skin changes, retraction of the nipple, secretions from the nipple, orange peel skin, changes in the size of the breast and skin redness. However, the recurrence can also manifest itself in various distant metastases. Possible symptoms are among others:

  • Bone pain,
  • Back pain, stomach ache
  • Or exhaustion over a long period of time.

Symptoms of breast cancer in the lactation period

During the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding the breast changes continuously. The hormonal influences cause, among other things, an increase in the number of mammary gland ducts, so that the breast may become swollen and feel somewhat hardened. Some women notice lumps in the breast at the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

These are usually soft and movable and are usually not a cause for concern. However, in order not to overlook breast cancer or delay a possible diagnosis, expectant and breastfeeding mothers should always consult a gynaecologist if they notice lumps in their breasts. In particular, a doctor should be consulted if lumps are palpable for a long time, if the skin of the breast changes, if the nipple is suddenly retracted, if there is repeated milk congestion or inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis), or if the baby suddenly refuses one side while breastfeeding.

About one to three percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Whether a woman can continue breastfeeding her child after a breast cancer diagnosis depends on the stage and therapy and must be decided individually. In most cases, however, breastfeeding is not recommended during breast cancer therapy.

Breastfeeding is generally possible after cancer therapy. Whether breastfeeding is possible, however, depends on the type and effects of the therapy and the associated sufficient milk production. Some women notice lumps in the breast at the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

These are usually soft and movable and are usually no cause for concern. However, in order not to overlook breast cancer or delay a possible diagnosis, expectant and breastfeeding mothers should always consult a gynaecologist if they notice lumps in their breast. In particular, a doctor should be consulted if lumps are palpable for a long time, if the skin of the breast changes, if the nipple is suddenly retracted, if there is repeated milk congestion or inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis), or if the baby suddenly refuses one side while breastfeeding.

About one to three percent of all breast cancer diagnoses are made during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Whether a woman can continue breastfeeding her child after a breast cancer diagnosis depends on the stage and therapy and must be decided individually. In most cases, however, breastfeeding is not recommended during breast cancer therapy. Breastfeeding is generally possible after cancer therapy. Whether breastfeeding is possible, however, depends on the type and effects of the therapy and the associated sufficient milk production.