Local recurrence and metastases

Once metastases to other organs have occurred, definitive cure is unfortunately impossible. Hormone therapy or chemotherapy is then administered with the intention of reducing tumor volume and extending survival and improving patients quality of life.


Metastases from breast cancer can occur in all organs of the body. The most common sites are bone, liver, lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Extension of the disease can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and weakness.


Treatments that reduce the tumor volume may result in a significant improvement of these symptoms, as well as extending survival.


Local recurrence in the breast does not necessarily mean an incurable situation as in this instance, a mastectomy can still be performed. If no metastases in other organs are identified, there is a real chance of a full recovery.