Disease progression of breast cancer
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the breast to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Understanding the usual progression of cancer helps the doctor to predict its probable course, plan treatment and anticipate further care.
The most common sites where breast cancer spreads are:
- regional lymph nodes (on the same side of the body as the breast cancer)
- under the arm (axillary)
- around the collarbone
- around the breastbone
- chest wall
- skin of the breast
- bone – the most common site of metastases
- spine
- ribs
- bones of the legs
- liver
- lung
- brain
- lymph nodes far from the breast
- in the neck
- on the opposite side of the body from the breast cancer
Cancer-related emergencies and breast cancer
Cancer-related emergencies are serious problems that can occur because of breast cancer, especially when it spreads (metastasizes).