No, by definition, metastasis (the spread of cells to form secondary tumors) is a hallmark of cancer (malignant tumors); benign (non-cancerous) tumors do not typically metastasize, but a rare exception is giant-cell tumor of bone, which can form benign-appearing but widespread pulmonary metastases, a behavior usually seen only in malignant cancers. The key distinction between benign and malignant growths is this ability to spread; malignant cells invade and metastasize, while benign cells stay localized.
Tumors that metastasize are considered "malignant" by definition. However, benign giant-cell tumor of bone is an exception because of the potential for histologically benign pulmonary metastases, a fact seldom emphasized in the radiologic literature.
In most cases, metastatic cancer isn't curable. But treatment can slow tumor growth and ease many of your symptoms. It's possible to live for several years with some types of cancer, even after metastasis.
Metastatic breast cancer (advanced breast cancer or Stage IV breast cancer) is cancer that's spread from your breast to other areas of your body. There isn't a cure, but thanks to newer treatments, more people with metastatic breast cancer are living longer than ever before.
The skeleton is the third most common site of metastatic disease after lung and liver. Most bone metastases originate from the breast, prostate or lung although kidney and thyroid tumors can metastasize to bone as well.
People with bone metastasis may feel:
The most common sites where cancer spreads are bone, liver, and lung. The following list shows the most common sites of metastasis, not including the lymph nodes, for some common cancers: In metastasis, cancer cells break away from where they first formed and form new tumors in other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
People, especially those who have been treated for breast cancer, should watch for symptoms such as: Unusual, persistent back or neck pain that is not explained by injury or exercise. Pain in the bones. Unexplained shortness of breath or cough.
The median survival of patients with bone metastasis was 9 months. Only 4.5% of persons survived beyond 24 months, while more than 50% lost their lives within the first 6 months. By the time there is a bone metastasis, the disease will be mostly in the advanced stage.
Metastatic breast cancer in the bones
Metastasis to the bones is the most common type of breast cancer metastasis, impacting approximately 70% of individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
Approximately 80% of patients living with metastatic cancer will die of their diagnosed cancer, while 20% will die of competing causes (heart disease, COPD, stroke, subsequent cancer deaths in >50% of these patients). This has remained consistent for 30 years.
Recognizing Metastatic Cancers
Fatigue. Fractures, when cancer has spread to bone. Headache, seizures, or dizziness, when cancer has spread to the brain. Shortness of breath, when cancer has spread to the lung.
The problem is that metastatic cancer represents a situation in which the disease we can see is almost always accompanied by additional micrometastatic disease we can't see, but that remains under the surface and able to create new areas of metastatic spread that prevent even our most aggressive local therapies (those ...
The existence of metastatic cancers in the absence of primary tumors also suggests that metastasis is not always caused by malignant cells that leave primary tumors.
Metastatic cancer is diagnosed with imaging (CT scans, MRIs, and/or PET scans) to determine the extent of disease and with a biopsy of a tumor so that a pathologist can identify the specific type of cancer.
Widespread metastatic disease may be initially misdiagnosed, such as in our patient, leading to medical errors. SM can be identified by an elevated tryptase level and confirmed with bone marrow biopsy.
Finding and treating bone metastases early can help prevent problems later. Bone pain is often the first symptom of cancer that has spread to the bone. The pain may come and go at first. It tends to be worse at night and may get better with movement.
Your health is important.
At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, we provide effective treatment options for patients with cancer that has spread to other areas of the body from its original site. Our experienced team of specialists approaches metastatic cancer as a chronic condition, not a terminal illness.
How long can you live with bone metastasis? Survival rates range from six to seven months to more than four years, and vary based on factors like: Cancer type: One analysis states the survival rate for lung cancer to bone is six to seven months, compared to 53 months for prostate cancer to bone.
Symptoms of advanced or metastatic cancer
Stage 4 Breast Cancer Symptoms
If the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, patients may experience chest pains or a chronic cough. Metastasis to the liver could cause jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain. Cancer that has spread to the bone can cause additional swelling and susceptibility to breaks.
Metastatic cancer patients can achieve a complete response or remission. However, the likelihood of that happening depends on their cancer. Many hematologic cancer patients can achieve complete and long-lasting remission. While this is less likely in advanced, solid tumors, it is not impossible.
One of the first red flags of metastasized breast cancer is persistent pain or discomfort. This pain can manifest in various parts of the body, including the bones, back, or chest. It's essential to differentiate between normal aches and pains and those that are persistent and unexplained.
How Does Cancer Metastasize? Cancer metastasizes when cells from the original tumor break apart and spread to other body parts. Causes of metastasis can be linked to an attack on cancer by the immune system or conditions where cancer struggles to survive—from a lack of oxygen or essential nutrients.
About 90% of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, not genetics, including smoking, poor diet (red meat, fried foods), alcohol, sun exposure, pollutants, infections, obesity, and inactivity; only 5–10% are due to inherited genetic defects, with most cancers arising from lifestyle-induced genetic mutations. Tobacco alone accounts for about a third of cancer deaths, while diet, obesity, and inactivity contribute significantly, with controllable factors being key to prevention.