Breast cancer is considered metastatic when it has spread to other body parts, such as the liver. Approximately 30 percent of patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will progress to metastatic disease. Metastasis from breast cancer occurs in the liver more often than any other organ.
What Is MBC?
MBC is a kind of breast cancer that is diagnosed at a late stage. Metastasis is the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body, most often the liver, brain, and bones.
It is still considered breast cancer even if MBC has progressed to the liver or elsewhere.
What Happens When Breast Cancer Spreads To The Liver?
Cancer metastasizes when malignant cells spread from the primary tumor to other body parts. Metastasis from breast cancer may occur almost everywhere in the body, although it most often affects:
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- lymph nodes
- bones
- lungs
- liver
- brain
There is some evidence to show that a person's cancer is more likely to spread to the liver due to environmental factors. However, studies have yet to pinpoint the precise mechanisms through which breast cancer travels to the liver.
How Often Does Breast Cancer Metastasize To The Liver, And Why?
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, according to Metavivor, a nonprofit committed to studying the disease. About one-third of those people will develop metastases.
Men are roughly as likely as women to have breast cancer but far less likely to develop metastases. MBC affects the liver less often than any other organ. The specific mechanism by which breast cancer travels to the liver remains unknown.
According to the prevalent theory, metastasis to the liver occurs when cancer cells and the liver have common characteristics. The seed-and-soil theory describes this relationship.
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What Are The Risk Factors, And Can I Prevent It?
Multiple factors were found in 2019 research to enhance the likelihood of getting liver metastases. For instance:
- age
- menopausal status
- number of lymph node metastases
- tumor size
Patients may have a better prognosis if they undergo screening for liver metastases at an earlier or more frequent stage.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of breast cancer that have progressed to the liver are uncommon. Liver function tests are the most reliable way for a clinician to detect malignancy. The liver function test analyzes blood for enzymes and proteins produced by the liver.
Symptoms of liver metastases, if present, might include:
- fever
- lack of appetite
- bloating
- fatigue or weakness
- discomfort or pain in the midsection
- weight loss
- jaundice, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
- swelling in the legs
Treatments
Since a cure for MBC has not yet been discovered, current therapy focuses on easing symptoms and prolonging life expectancy. The patient's lifetime may be extended by treatment as well.
In contrast to the early stages of breast cancer, treatment for MBC may be less harsh. Early-stage breast cancer is often treated by surgical removal or radiation therapy.
Medications are used to help control the cancer and reduce its spread if it spreads.
Systemic drugs are the mainstay of therapy for MBC, as stated by the American Cancer Society. Among them are:
- immunotherapy
- chemotherapy
- hormone therapy
- targeted drugs
A medical professional could advise you to try many treatments. Radiation treatment and surgical procedures are other possibilities.
Treatment options for MBC may be discussed with a medical professional. Some things to think about are:
- symptoms present
- the size of the tumor in the liver
- previous treatments
- whether the cancer has spread to other organs
- the person's general health
- age or menopause status
- features of the cancer
Can Breast Cancer That Has Spread To The Liver Be Cured?
Currently, MBC cannot be cured. Successful treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that has progressed to the liver may extend a person's life by several years. The primary goals of treatment are to mitigate symptoms and decrease the progression of the disease.
Someone may choose to stop therapy because of their age or health status. When this occurs, patients must discuss their wishes for end-of-life care with their care team and loved ones.
How Long Can You Live With Metastasis To The Liver?
When cancer has gone to "remote areas of the body such as the lungs, liver, or bones," as defined by the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate is around 30%.
Liver metastasis from breast cancer has a 3-year survival rate of about 38%, which is comparable to the rate for lung metastasis but less favorable than bone metastasis.
A person's life expectancy may be extended by years if they get therapy. Because of the situation's complexity, the patient should discuss their prognosis with their doctor.
Liver-metastatic MBC is presently incurable. Tumor development may be slowed, and quality of life improved with therapy. A consultation with a medical professional may help patients decide which therapy is ideal for them.
