Contents:
- Medical Video: Living With Stage 4 Breast Cancer
- 1. Lump in the breast
- 2. Skin changes
- 3. The discharge from the nipple without cause
- 4. Swelling
- 5. Pain and discomfort
- 6. Fatigue
- 7. Insomnia
- 8. Abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss
- 9. Breath panting
- 10. Other symptoms related to the spread of cancer
Medical Video: Living With Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Broadly speaking, breast cancer is categorized into four stages, namely:
- Stage 1: is the earliest stage of breast cancer. Tumor diameter at this stage usually does not exceed two centimeters. Small group tumors may be found in the lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: the process of spreading cancer begins at this stage. Cancer may appear in some lymph nodes, and tumors in the breast will enlarge but not exceed five centimeters.
- Stage 3: doctors classify this stage as an advanced stage, where the spread of cancer cells has affected almost all lymph nodes and chest tissue. At this stage the cancer sometimes radiates to the chest skin tissue, causing inflammation and injury.
- Stage 4: cancer has spread to various organs of the body.
Stage 4 breast cancer is classified as the worst stage requiring intensive and ongoing therapy. The following are the 10 most common signs and symptoms of stage 4 breast cancer:
1. Lump in the breast
Breast tumor lumps in the early stages of cancer are rarely seen or felt. To detect the presence of lumps and signs of cancer early, the doctor will scan the image with a mammogram.
In each stage 4 case, the lump will appear visible and can be felt. Tumor lumps are usually found under the armpit or around it. The doctor will usually recommend you undergo surgery to remove the tumor. Patients can also feel the changes that occur in their breasts, such as swelling of the breast and surrounding area.
2. Skin changes
Breast cancer can affect the appearance of the skin. Generally, abnormal appearance occurs in the skin around the nipple and the presence of small tumors in the breast. Changes do not only occur in structure and appearance, but the skin will also feel itchy or tingling, look red and thick. Some patients report that the skin in their breast area is dry and cracked.
Inflammation caused by cancer can also affect the skin. Cancer cells will close the lymph nodes and cause redness, swelling, and deep-seated skin. All stage 4 breast cancers have similar symptoms of skin inflammation. In some cases, thickening of the breast and the redness of the skin show early signs of cancer.
3. The discharge from the nipple without cause
Fluid that comes out of the nipple suddenly is a common symptom at all stages of breast cancer. The liquid that drips out can be yellow like pus, blood, or like normal water.
4. Swelling
In the early stages of cancer, even though the size and appearance of the breasts look normal, cancer cells are growing and developing in them. At the advanced stage, the patient may begin to notice swelling in the area of the breast and under the armpit, where the lymph nodes are located. Swelling will begin to feel very clear and painful in stage 4.
5. Pain and discomfort
As cancer grows, patients will feel pain and discomfort in their breast area. Especially if cancer cells cause inflammation redness, or if skin irritation occurs. Large tumors also cause pain and uncomfortable pressure in the breast. Pain in the skin may also be caused by burns due to radiation therapy.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom in breast cancer patients. Fatigue engulfs at least a quarter of the patient population during therapy, others feel fatigue after finishing therapy. In stage 4, fatigue will become increasingly unbearable and difficult to deal with.
7. Insomnia
Some patients report menopause as a result of breast cancer therapy, and experience "overheating" (hot flashes) which makes it difficult for them to sleep well at night. Stage 4 breast cancer can cause pain and discomfort that interferes with sleep.
The presence of insomnia in breast cancer patients is often missed to deal with. Experts recommend patients to carry out cognitive therapy and lifestyle changes rather than requiring them to take sleeping pills to help improve their sleep patterns.
8. Abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss
Cancer and healing therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Medications, stress due to illness, and insomnia can also interfere with the digestive system. It will be increasingly difficult to adhere to a healthy diet when these symptoms begin to appear, which trap patients in a vicious circle. Patients will avoid certain foods that are known to cause abdominal pain, as a result the digestive system complains of lack of fiber and nutrients to work properly. Constipation arises.
Over time, patients will lose appetite and have difficulty digesting the food they need. Weight loss will be very drastic and can cause malnutrition.
9. Breath panting
Chest tightness, difficulty breathing deeply, and difficulty breathing may occur in stage 4 cancer. Occasionally, these symptoms indicate that the cancer has spread to the lungs. Chemo and radiation therapy are one of the risk factors for this symptom. Difficulty breathing at this stage will be followed by a chronic dry cough.
10. Other symptoms related to the spread of cancer
The spread of cancer can cause some symptoms that can be detected.
- Bone: When cancer spreads, these cells will damage the physiological bones, cause a sense of pain and increase the risk of bone fractures. Symptoms of bone are usually found on the hip, spine, arms, legs, ribs, or skull. Pain and discomfort in the bones will also make it difficult for patients to walk.
- Lungs: cancer cells that affect the lungs can cause difficulty breathing and chronic cough.
- Liver: liver cancer may not cause symptoms for some time. But in the final stage, patients will experience jaundice, fever, and significant weight loss.
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