In metastatic tumor cells entering the bloodstream, they spread to other organs and areas of the body. Most of these metastases, which are called the remote and are designated in the international classification as M1, there are:
in lymph nodes outside the axilla,
in the skin or under the skin of the breast,
in bones
in the lungs,
in the pleural cavity (which contains the lungs, the result is a buildup of fluid in the cavity)
in the liver,
in the brain.
With the defeat of metastatic skeletal system are the following symptoms: back pain, bone or joint pain that lasts more than 2 - 3 weeks and gradually getting worse, numbness or weakness in the limbs, disorders of activity of the intestine and urinary bladder (incontinence, etc. ..) It usually displays the defeat of the spinal nerves.
With the defeat of metastatic brain cancer are the following symptoms: headache, weakness in legs or hands, blurred vision (double vision), psychological disorders, confusion, incoordination, nausea, convulsions.
With the defeat of metastatic lung cancer are the following symptoms: persistent cough that gets worse with time. Moreover, cough may be dry or with phlegm (mucus or even bloody.) Shortness of breath, unexplained chest pain, impaired appetite and weight loss.
With the defeat of metastatic liver cancer are the following symptoms: unexplained prolonged abdominal pain, bloating and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, jaundice, changes in the biochemical analyzes of blood, are responsible for liver function, impaired appetite and weight loss.
If you marked any of these signs are usually conducted some research in order to detect the presence of metastasis or recurrence.
What kind of research is necessary to depend on these or other symptoms:
Blood tests (such as general analyzes, and biochemical).
Bone scintigraphy with or without subsequent radiological investigation of suspicious sites.
MRI of the brain and spinal cord.
Computed tomography of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or brain.
PET.
X-ray or ultrasound abdomen and chest.
Bronchoscopy in the presence of cough with blood-streaked.
Biopsy of suspicious areas.
Evacuation of the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity it.
Sometimes, metastases can be detected during the execution of certain blood tests, even if the woman did not note any symptoms. For example, in biochemical blood tests can identify liver disorders (changes in the bilirubin, parameters such as AST or ALT), bone (changes in calcium levels).
In some medical centers may be carried out blood tests for specific markers that are specific proteins produced in the blood in the presence of certain tumors. For breast cancer the following are typical markers: CEA, CA15-3, CA 27-29.
Increased levels of these markers in the blood can speak for the occurrence of relapse or metastasis. But sometimes a high level of markers may occur in the absence of relapse. Most experts recommend that oncologists do not use this method of investigation as a screening unless any manifestation, as these methods do not provide information about the quality of life and its possible duration.
