This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Daniel Liu, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
This page was reviewed on February 18, 2022.
Metastatic breast cancer is also referred to as stage 4 breast cancer and advanced breast cancer. The word “metastatic” refers to cancer that has spread beyond the part of the body where it started. In comparison, the term “localized” means the cancer is contained to its primary site.
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread. In the case of metastatic breast cancer, the cancer originated in breast tissue, then spread to other parts of the body.
Metastatic cancer is typically described based on how far it’s spread from the original cancer site:
Regional metastatic breast cancer means the original tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes (often the axillary lymph nodes, but sometimes internal mammary lymph nodes and supraclavicular lymph nodes).
Distant metastatic breast cancer refers to breast cancer that has spread to distant locations or metastatic sites, including the bones, lungs, liver and brain, although it’s possible for breast cancer to metastasize to the skin or other parts of the body.
It’s important to remember that every cancer is unique and that each patient’s experience may not necessarily be the same as that of another breast cancer patient. With a personalized treatment plan, metastatic breast cancer is typically treatable. A National Cancer Institute (NCI) study found that the number of U.S. women living longer with distant metastatic breast cancer is growing, thanks to advances in treatments.
It’s also important to have information about the disease, its symptoms and how it’s detected and treated.
This article will cover:
The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer may be different than those of early-stage breast cancer, but not always. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
Patients should always speak with a doctor if new signs or symptoms arise, but here are some of the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer:
The symptoms of breast cancer metastasis may also vary depending on where in the body the cancer has spread. For example:
Getting a clear picture of where breast cancer has spread is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan. The patient's care team will likely use a combination of the following tests and tools to diagnose both localized and advanced breast cancer:
Ultrasound exam: With this imaging technique, sound waves (known as ultrasound waves) create a picture of internal areas of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This procedure produces detailed images using magnetic fields and radio waves.
Blood chemistry studies: A blood sample is taken to measure the amounts of certain substances that are released by your organs and tissues. A higher or lower amount of a particular substance may be a sign of disease.
Breast biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of cells or tissues so a pathologist may view them through a microscope. An original breast cancer diagnosis is typically confirmed with a biopsy.
The additional tools below are often used specifically for diagnosing advanced cancer:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure removes sentinel lymph node cells during surgery for examination. When breast cancer spreads, it often heads first to the lymph nodes.
Chest X-ray: This detailed image of the chest may help doctors see whether cancer has spread to the bones.
Computed tomography (CT) scan: Also known as a CAT scan, this procedure takes detailed pictures of internal areas of the body using a computer linked to an X-ray machine. A dye may be used to help the organs show up more clearly in the images.
Bone scan: This procedure looks for bone metastasis, or cancer cells that have spread to the bone. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood, then detected with a scanner.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan is a detailed imaging tool that uses a radioactive drug, known as a tracer, to search for cancer cells within the body.
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer often is based on systemic therapies, which use drugs rather than surgery or radiation. Metastases treatments are designed to shrink tumors and slow their growth, help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may change, such as when one therapy stops working, or the side effects become too uncomfortable. Rather than having only one treatment, most patients undergo several treatments combined to help fight the cancer.
The four broad categories of drug-based treatments are:
This therapy works by stopping hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. Some types of breast cancers have receptors, or proteins, which attach to these hormones to help them grow. Blocking the hormones may help slow the cancer’s progression. This treatment works on hormone receptor-positive cancers. Side effects of hormone therapies may include hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
With so many chemotherapy drugs available, finding the right one depends on the specific type of breast cancer. (It’s frequently used to treat triple-negative breast cancers.)
Chemotherapy is given intravenously, often in cycles throughout several weeks. Some patients tolerate it better than others. It’s possible to experience nausea, diarrhea, a loss of appetite leading to weight loss, fatigue, hair loss and mouth sores.
Learn more about chemotherapy for breast cancer
Targeted therapies are newer treatments that work to block specific types of proteins or gene mutations that fuel breast cancer. An oncologist may mention the terms “monoclonal antibodies,” “antibody-drug conjugates” or “inhibitors.” These drugs may stop or slow a process fueling cancer, and are sometimes combined with chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Side effects are possible and vary from one drug to another.
Immunotherapy drugs are designed to stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells in certain types of breast cancers. They’re known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Side effects may include fatigue, coughing, nausea, rash, loss of appetite and autoimmune reactions.
In some cases, surgery or radiation may be recommended.
Also, clinical trials may offer qualified patients the opportunity to receive state-of-the-art care and new treatments. Clinical trials, supported by organizations such as NCI, help doctors improve available treatments, comparing new methods and protocols with the current standard care.
Listing search services, such as NCI’s Steps to Find A Clinical Trial, are available online. Ask the cancer care team to help identify and evaluate clinical trial options.
No matter the treatment, ask the cancer care team for guidance through the process in advance, explaining how it would work, emotions that may arise and how the body may react.
During treatment, the care team will perform tests to determine how well the treatment is working. For instance, using a blood test, the care team can monitor levels of the tumor marker CA 15-3, which may indicate how the cancer is responding to treatment.
The five-year survival rate for metastatic breast cancer patients depend on how far the cancer has spread:
Patients may find it beneficial to add supportive care to their treatment plans. There are many evidence-informed supportive care modalities to boost the mind and body. Practices like gentle yoga, meditation, massage and music therapy may feel enjoyable and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
To help our patients maintain quality of life after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, our team of breast cancer experts may offer supportive care services to help manage side effects of the disease and its treatments. These may include:
Before starting any supportive care therapies, however, ask the care team for advice on which ones are most beneficial and fit into the overall treatment plan, as well as how to do them safely.
An advanced breast cancer diagnosis often elicits a flood of emotions: fear, confusion, sadness, anger and worry. Patients may wonder, “Why me?” It's normal to think it’s unfair, so take the time to process these thoughts, speak with the care team to understand the diagnosis, and connect with loved ones and close friends for support.
Over time, as the shock wears off, many patients find that they get on with their lives, adjusting to what some call their “new normal.” Patients may continue to work, enjoy life and spend time with family and friends, even if sometimes they may have less energy than before.
Try to eat a nutritious diet to feel stronger and better tolerate treatments. Maintaining good nutrition may also help lower the risk of infection and provide patients with more energy for enjoying life.
Light exercise may give the mind and body a boost, helping patients feel energized. This is especially true after spending time in the fresh air. Always seek medical advice before making changes to any diet or exercise routines.
Many people do better when they get support, information and guidance after a diagnosis. Some of this will come from the care team, but now is also the time to rely on family and close friends and colleagues who want to help.
Peer support, either online, face-to-face or via telephone, lets patients connect with others who are going through a similar experience. Support groups give patients, caregivers and family members a forum to discuss emotions, gain practical tips and feel more hopeful. Joining a group may be a good way to find emotional support and even find new friendships.
If dealing with a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is causing anxiety, depression and/or fear, working with a licensed cancer psychologist may help patients find practical coping strategies.
It can be confusing to navigate all the different types of support available, so it may help to ask the care team or contact a breast cancer nonprofit organization. NCI also offers a searchable database to help patients find support groups or services.