It is estimated there were more than 194,000 new cases of breast cancer in men and women in the United States in 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer is classified in four stages, based on tumor size, lymph node status and distant metastases. Stage IV breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is the most advanced stage of cancer.

Features

Stage IV means the cancer has spread through other parts of the body, which could include the lungs, bones, liver or brain. Since the cancer has spread to other organs, there are no treatments that will remove all cancer cells.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or knot in the breast. According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms may include swelling, skin irritation, dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain, redness, nipple discharge (not including breast milk), redness, scaliness and nipples turning inward. Swelling or lumps under the arm can indicate the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, according to the American Cancer Society. This can happen even before the tumor can be felt in the breast. If a patient has any symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible. It's also important to note that breast cancer can also be detected through a mammogram.

Diagnosis

Tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, MRI or ultra sound, can be done to determine if the patient has cancer. If cancer is still possible, a biopsy may be required. If cancer is present, further tests are done to determine what stage cancer the patient may have.

Treatment

Even though stage IV breast cancer is incurable, life still may be prolonged through treatment. Treatment varies depending on the characteristics of the tumor, symptoms and prior treatments. Radiation and chemotherapy can shrink or slow the growth of the tumors. Hormonal therapy may be used in patients with hormone receptor positive cancer.

Survival rate

According to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, there is a 20 percent survival rate among women with stage IV breast cancer to live five years or more between 1988 and 2001.

Source:

National Cancer Institute

American Cancer Society

Susan G. Komen

More Information:

Susan G. Komen For the Cure

American Cancer Society