Metastatic breast cancer is a serious disease that can spread to organs such as the lungs, bones, and liver. Systemic approaches like chemotherapy and targeted therapies are prominent in treatment. Surgical interventions, including breast-conserving surgery and oncoplastic techniques, improve both survival and cosmetic outcomes. Genetic risk management and preventive surgery for individuals with BRCA mutations are effective strategies in reducing cancer risk. Multidisciplinary and personalized medical practices play a critical role in increasing treatment success rates.
Metastatic breast cancer, indicating cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other areas of the body, presents unique challenges in treatment. This article discusses the latest developments and approaches in the therapy of metastatic breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment strategies and cosmetic outcomes in surgery.
Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells in the breast migrate to other organs such as:
Lungs: Due to the proximity of breast tissue to the lungs, cancer can easily spread there.
Bones: With bone being one of the most common sites for breast cancer metastasis, it causes bone pain and fractures.
Liver: The liver is another common site of metastasis that can lead to liver function abnormalities.
While surgery is less commonly used in metastatic cancer, it plays a crucial role when cancer has locally advanced but controllable. The goal is to reduce tumor burden and improve the patient's quality of life.
Breast-Conserving Surgery: Surgeons prioritize cosmetic outcomes by performing surgeries that preserve as much breast tissue as possible.
Mastectomy: In rare cases where cancer is extensive in the breast, a total mastectomy is performed. Even in such situations, oncoplastic techniques are used to enhance aesthetic outcomes.
Modern advancements in oncoplastic surgery allow patients to undergo immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Options include:
A small percentage of breast cancer cases are hereditary and are often linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Preventive Mastectomy: Women at high genetic risk may choose to undergo preventive mastectomy, as famously performed by actress Angelina Jolie.
Risk Reduction: Preventive surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer but does not provide complete protection.
The treatment of metastatic breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. Advances in personalized medicine and surgical techniques have improved survival rates and quality of life for patients. Early diagnosis, regular screenings, and genetic counseling for high-risk individuals remain vital components of comprehensive breast cancer care.
