Breast Cancer Metastasizes to Which Locations

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on November 12, 2024
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Breast cancer metastasis generally follows the following sites due to its anatomical structure and specific characteristics. The most common sites are the axilla, the contralateral breast, the contralateral axilla, and the areas above and below the clavicle, which is also known as the pipa bone, referring to the areas above and below the pipa bone. As for distant organs, based on the frequency or likelihood of occurrence, the most common are the lungs, bones, liver, and the brain, specifically within the head. These are referred to as the lungs, bones, liver, and head, which are the places most prone to distant organ metastasis.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is most commonly found (60% of cases) on the outer boundary of the breast. Its symptoms often include a single, painless, small lump that is hard, with an uneven surface and an irregular shape. The boundaries of the lump are not clearly distinguishable from the surrounding tissue, and it cannot be easily moved within the breast. The skin over the lump may show signs of redness, swelling, dimpling or orange-peel-like changes. Additional symptoms might include dimpling, ulceration, and other abnormalities. The lump may be associated with changes in the same side nipple, such as bloody discharge, and enlarged lymph nodes can sometimes be felt under the armpit.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Early manifestations of breast cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is primarily characterized by a single, painless small lump, which is hard with unclear boundaries and a rough surface, blending indistinguishably with surrounding tissues and difficult to move within the breast. It is usually discovered accidentally or while bathing. Swollen lymph nodes may be present, and the nipple may be inverted with possible bloody discharge. As the tumor grows, it may invade the Cooper's ligaments, causing the skin to dimple, a condition known as peau d'orange. These are all early symptoms of breast cancer. If the condition progresses, it may lead to a skin texture resembling orange peel.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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Breast cancer surgery accompaniment for a few days

The duration of postoperative care for breast cancer surgery depends on the extent of the surgery. This includes modified radical mastectomy, classic radical mastectomy, and surgeries that preserve both the breast and the axilla. For surgeries that preserve the breast and axilla, patients typically recover quickly, and generally, providing care for three to five days is more than sufficient. However, to ensure patients feel comforted and cared for, it's common to provide care starting the day before surgery until the patient is discharged. Postoperative care tends to be longer for modified radical mastectomies that include axillary clearance, as care is needed until the patient can fully manage the arm on the operated side on their own. Therefore, the care duration varies depending on the individual and their recovery. Thus, the shortest duration of care is usually for surgeries that preserve both the breast and axilla, typically sufficient within three to five days.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Symptoms of breast cancer metastasis

Symptoms of breast cancer metastasis first involve the lymph nodes, with multiple enlarged lymph nodes that can be felt beneath and above the collarbone. These can be diagnosed as metastases from breast cancer using color Doppler ultrasound and cytopathology puncture. The second symptom is bone metastasis. If there is pain in the pelvic or rib area, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase in the blood biochemistry, high suspicion of bone metastasis should be considered. It is necessary to conduct a PADCT or bone scan for further confirmation. If symptoms like coughing, expectorating phlegm, and blood-tinged sputum appear, lung metastasis should be considered, requiring further diagnosis with a CT scan.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Does breast cancer have a genetic component?

Breast cancer is somewhat related to genetics and has a certain familial predisposition. It manifests as a higher incidence rate in relatives with breast cancer, especially in closer blood relations, and daughters may develop the disease at an earlier age than their mothers. There is also a higher risk of bilateral occurrence and a tendency for other malignant tumors to develop in different parts of the body. Additionally, if a family has at least two sisters with breast cancer and their mother is not afflicted by the disease, the susceptibility of this family is about three times higher than average, commonly occurring after menopause, and usually affecting one side. Of course, the influence of human genetic factors on the development of breast cancer is multifaceted. The occurrence of breast cancer is affected not only by genetic factors but also by many other factors, which have a cumulative effect of risks. It is recommended that individuals from families with a history of breast cancer should undergo regular screening, improve their lifestyle, and avoid the accumulation of risk factors, which can also enable earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer that has already developed.