Rate of Metastasis for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Insight into Its Progression Speed
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Metastasis, and Treatment
If you've been diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, you may have questions about its progression and symptoms. This type of breast cancer, which affects about 1 out of 5 individuals with the disease, is known for its rapid growth due to an overexpression of the HER2 protein.
Why HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Spreads Quickly
The increased presence of the HER2 protein fuels the growth of HER2-positive cancer cells, causing the cancer to grow and metastasize more aggressively than other types of breast cancer. Approximately 25% of those with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer will see their cancer spread.
While HER2-positive breast cancers are aggressive, it's important to note that they are not the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is typically more aggressive than HER2-positive cancer.
Where HER2-Positive Breast Cancer May Spread
When HER2-positive breast cancer metastasizes, it can spread to various parts of the body, including:
- Liver
- Lungs
- Bones
- Brain
- Skin
- Distant lymph nodes
The location of metastasis, the amount of spread, age, and other medical conditions can all impact treatment options and prognosis.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
In its early stages, HER2-positive breast cancer may not present distinct symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, or a change in skin texture
- Nipple changes, including an inward-turned nipple or discharge
- Skin reactions, like scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola
If you notice any new symptoms or those that persist for more than two to four weeks, it's advised to speak with your healthcare provider.
Additional Symptoms Depending on Metastasis Location
If HER2-positive breast cancer metastasizes to specific areas, additional symptoms may manifest:
Liver
- Abdominal pain in the upper right side
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen, resulting in a distended or swollen stomach
- Jaundice
Lungs
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
Bones
- Persistent and deep aching pain in affected areas
- Weakness leading to fractures
Brain
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Trouble speaking, seeing, or hearing
- Memory issues
- Mood or personality changes
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
Cancer spreading to the brain may cause swelling, which can exacerbate these symptoms. Steroids and antiseizure medications may be necessary to manage symptoms in some individuals.
Skin
- Lumps and bumps on the scalp, chest, back, or abdominal area
Distant Lymph Nodes
Distant lymph node metastasis may not be easily detectable without scans. It's essential to monitor your symptoms and bring any concerns to the attention of your healthcare team.
Treatment Options
Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options may include:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
For early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, treatment aims to cure the disease. Once it spreads and becomes Stage IV, it cannot be cured in most cases, but patients can still receive cancer-directed treatment for the rest of their lives.
If you have concerns or questions about HER2-positive breast cancer, please consult your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2019, October 23). Signs, symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17000-breast-cancer/signs-symptoms-and-risk-factors/signs-symptoms
[2] American Cancer Society. (2020, April 24). Breast Cancer - General Information. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html
- In the case of HER2-positive breast cancer, rapid growth is caused by an excessive amount of the HER2 protein, impacting health-and-wellness, particularly women's-health, as it can lead to breast-cancer.
- When HER2-positive breast cancer metastasizes, it can spread to various parts of the body, like the liver, lungs, bones, brain, skin, and distant lymph nodes, affecting health and overall health-and-wellness.
- Treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer may include options such as radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage of the cancer, aiming to improve health and manage medical-conditions associated with breast-cancer.
