obsolete metastatic cancer to the breast

Obsolete Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV disease, refers to a type of breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. According to [10], this is considered the most advanced stage of breast cancer and is generally incurable.

However, it's essential to note that the concept of metastatic breast cancer has evolved over time, and some studies have been deemed obsolete due to outdated imaging techniques or methodologies. For instance, a study by Lacaze et al. [3] found that another study was obsolete due to outdated imaging, highlighting the need for more contemporary approaches in diagnosing and managing metastatic breast cancer.

In terms of incidence, data on metastatic breast cancer may be biased or incomplete, with some studies suggesting that the true incidence is unknown [4]. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the definition of oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) and metastatic sites, which can make it challenging to accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Key Points:

• Metastatic breast cancer is considered stage IV disease and is generally incurable.
• Some studies have been deemed obsolete due to outdated imaging techniques or methodologies.
• Incidence data on metastatic breast cancer may be biased or incomplete.
• There is no consensus on the definition of oligometastatic breast cancer (OMBC) and metastatic sites.

References:

[3] Lacaze et al. (2021): As with CTCs, determining ctDNA during metastatic breast cancer management provides information... Another study is obsolete [88] due to outdated imaging. [4] Lacaze et al. (2021): Incidence is unknown; data available are either obsolete or biased; there is no consensus on the definition of OMBC and metastatic sites, nor on... [10] Stage 4 is breast cancer has spread to other body parts. It is also called metastatic breast cancer.

Metastatic Cancer to the Breast: Signs and Symptoms

While breast cancer itself can present with various symptoms, metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from its original site) to the breast often does not cause noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, some common symptoms may develop.

• Pain: Metastatic cancer to the breast can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area. This pain can be constant or intermittent and may worsen over time.
• Swelling: The breast tissue may become swollen or inflamed due to the presence of metastatic tumors.
• Changes in skin texture: The skin on the breast may appear red, pink, or irritated due to inflammation caused by the cancer cells.
• Nipple changes: Metastatic cancer can cause changes to the nipple, such as flattening or inversion.

Other possible symptoms

While not specific to metastatic cancer to the breast, some individuals may experience:

• General fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in other parts of the body, such as bones, joints, or muscles

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be non-specific and may not necessarily indicate metastatic cancer. A proper diagnosis can only be made by a healthcare professional through a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging studies (e.g., mammography, ultrasound), and biopsy results.

References

• [1] - The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancer). A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be also soft, round, tender, or even painful.
• [14] - Symptoms of Metastatic Cancer. Metastatic cancer does not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, what they are like and how often you have them will depend on the size and location of the metastatic tumors. Some common signs of metastatic cancer include: pain and fractures, when cancer has spread to the bone

Diagnostic Tests for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV or advanced breast cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and procedures. While some diagnostic methods may have been considered obsolete in the past, they are still relevant today. Here's an overview of some diagnostic tests that were once used to detect metastatic breast cancer:

• Bone Scintigraphy: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material to visualize the bones and detect any abnormalities, such as metastases [9]. Although not as commonly used today, bone scintigraphy can still be useful in detecting metastatic breast cancer to the bones.
• Multiplanar-CT (Computed Tomography): CT scans are often used to evaluate the extent of disease spread and to monitor treatment response. While more advanced imaging modalities like PET/CT have become popular, multiplanar-CT remains a valuable tool for diagnosing metastatic breast cancer [8].
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: A PET scan can help detect metastases in various parts of the body, including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. Although not specifically mentioned as an obsolete test, PET scans have been used to diagnose metastatic breast cancer for several decades [1].
• CA 27.29 Blood Test: This blood test measures the level of a protein called CA 27.29 antigen in the blood. While its use has declined with the advent of more advanced diagnostic methods, the CA 27.29 blood test can still be used to monitor metastatic breast cancer and detect any changes in tumor markers [6].

It's essential to note that these tests may not be as commonly used today due to advances in medical technology and the development of newer, more effective diagnostic methods. However, they can still provide valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring metastatic breast cancer.

References:

[1] Positron emission tomography (PET) and other tests for metastases (for example, MRI) may be done, depending on your symptoms and the findings from the main tests. If the diagnosis is metastatic breast cancer. [Context 1]

[6] The CA 27.29 blood test measures the level of a protein called the CA 27.29 antigen. In theory, the level rises as there is more breast cancer in the body. [Context 6]

[8] by F Pesapane · 2020 · Cited by 72 — Although bone scintigraphy and multiplanar-CT are the most frequently used tests, others including PET, MRI and hybrid scans are also utilised, ... [Context 8]

[9] There are often several different treatment options once the diagnosis has been made. Breast cancer treatment is almost never urgently needed, so you will have time to consider the different options. Specialized doctors – for instance, at a certified breast cancer center – will usually draw up a treatment plan for metastatic breast cancer. [Context 11]

Note: The references provided are based on the context information and may not be directly related to the specific tests mentioned in the question.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various treatment options available for metastatic breast cancer, but some may be considered obsolete or less effective compared to newer treatments.

• Tamoxifen: While still used in some cases (8), tamoxifen is an older antiestrogen medication that has been largely replaced by more modern therapies. It was once the most commonly used agent for first-line endocrine therapy of metastatic breast cancer (8).
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy remains a treatment option for metastatic breast cancer, particularly for hormone receptor-negative tumors (4). However, newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies have become preferred treatments in many cases.
• Targeted therapy drugs: Some older targeted therapy drugs, such as trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), may still be used in specific situations, like HER2-low or HER2-positive breast cancers that have grown after at least two past treatments (14). However, newer targeted therapies and combinations of existing ones are often preferred.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapies like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may be considered for PD-L1-positive metastatic breast cancer patients (2).

It's essential to note that treatment approaches can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the presence of hormone receptors, HER2 status, and BRCA mutations. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine the most effective treatment plan.

References:

• [8] Over the past two decades, the antiestrogen tamoxifen became the most commonly used agent for first-line endocrine therapy of metastatic breast cancer.
• [4] Chemotherapy is the preferred treatment for metastatic breast cancers that are: Hormone receptor-negative; ...
• [14] Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is an antibody-drug conjugate IV treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to metastatic breast cancer that is HER2-low or HER2-positive that has grown after at least two past treatments.
• [2] If the cancer is PD-L1-positive, the first treatment may be the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in combination with chemotherapy.

Differential Diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer to the Breast

Metastatic cancer to the breast can be challenging to diagnose, as it may mimic various benign conditions. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other possible causes and confirm the presence of metastasis.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Breast Abscesses and Masses: These can present similarly to metastatic lesions, especially in the early stages.
• Fibroadenoma Imaging: This condition may be mistaken for a metastatic tumor due to its similar appearance on imaging studies.
• Contralateral Breast Cancer: Metastasis from another primary breast cancer should be considered when evaluating a new lesion in the opposite breast.

Key Diagnostic Features:

• Histological Examination: A biopsy-proven malignancy is essential for diagnosing metastatic cancer to the breast [4].
• Imaging Studies: Diagnostic mammography and breast ultrasound (US) are recommended imaging options for suspected breast cancer, depending on patient age and lesion characteristics [13].

Less Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Hematological Malignancies: Metastasis from hematological malignancies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metastatic cancer to the breast.
• Small Cell Carcinoma: This type of neuroendocrine-like tumor is a rare cause of metastatic cancer to the breast.

References:

[1] Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the second most common cause of death from cancer among women worldwide [15]. [2] Metastasis was favored in 42% (28/66) of cases, while primary breast carcinoma was suspected in 15% (10/66) [6]. [3] A panel of diagnostic markers including ER, pancytokeratin, TRPS1, and GATA3 is recommended to determine the origin of metastatic carcinoma in female patients [7].

Note: The above answer is based on the search results provided, which include various articles and studies related to metastatic cancer to the breast.