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Metastatic Breast Cancer Recurrence Table

Metastatic breast cancer is usually detected because of symptoms. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer depends on the area of the recurrence, the extent of the recurrence, and the type of treatments you have already had.

**Symptoms and treatment for recurrent breast cancer**
Area affected	Symptom	Treatment
Breast or chest wall	Lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm Changes in size or shape of the breast Changes in the skin of the breast or chest wall Chest wall pain Discharge from the nipple	Surgery to treat a local recurrence to the breast, under the arm, or on the chest wall Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+) Chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide Radiation treatments
Bones, especially the back, hips, or sternum	Pain Fractures Constipation Fatigue Decreased alertness from high calcium levels	Radiation treatment to reduce bone pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+) Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or vinorelbine Bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate or zoledronic acid
Lungs	Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Cough Chest wall pain Extreme fatigue	Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+) Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or vinorelbine
Liver	Nausea Extreme fatigue Increased abdominal girth Fluid collection (edema) in the feet and legs Yellowing or itching of the skin	Hormone therapy, such as tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor for cancers that are fed by estrogen (ER+) Chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel or vinorelbine
Brain and spinal cord	Pain Confusion Memory loss Headache Blurred or double vision Change in how the skin senses touch, pain, or any other physical feeling Trouble speaking or understanding speech Trouble standing, moving, or walking Seizures	Radiation treatments to the brain or spinal cord Chemotherapy delivered directly into the spinal fluid (intrathecal chemotherapy) Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, to reduce swelling in the brain and spinal cord Surgery to remove pressure on the spinal cord

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
Last Revised	August 11, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 11, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.