How Does Breast Cancer Metastasize?
Theoretically, every woman who has had breast cancer, even if treated successfully, has a risk of the cancer recurring in the same breast area or in another organ. Breast cancer metastasizes when cancerous cells break off from the tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymph nodes and are carried throughout the body. If it metastasizes, breast cancer most frequently spreads to the underarm lymph nodes, bone, lung, liver or brain. Metastasized tumors often have no symptoms and are detected through routine X-rays or other tests. The cells of the secondary, metastasized tumor are similar to the cells of the original, or primary, tumor. Thus, breast cancer that has metastasized to the lung is considered breast cancer and is treated as such. A pathologist examines the cells of the secondary tumor to determine the primary source. Cancers that start in other organs rarely metastasize to the breast. Preventing Metastasis Breast cancer may metastasize even if the breast and lymph nodes are removed
