Breast cancer bone metastasis is essentially a secondary form of bone cancer, in that the cancer originated in the breast and has spread to the bone, according to the Mayo Clinic. While most people who have breast cancer bone metastasis will suffer from some of the common symptoms of breast cancer, including the formation of a lump in or around the breast or chest, a discoloration to the skin above the "original tumor," an inverted nipple in the affected breast or chest, a discharge from the nipple or a change in the contour and size of the breast or chest, they can also begin to experience other symptoms that would indicate that the cancer has metastasized into the bone.
Pain & Discomfort
More often than not, someone suffering from breast cancer bone metastasis will experience pain or discomfort in and around the affected bone. Anywhere within the body that contains a bone can be affected with this secondary form of cancer, but it will typically develop and be felt within an arm or a leg.
Swelling & Inflammation
When the cancer has metastasized near a joint within the body, the tumor that forms will generally cause some swelling or inflammation of the affected joint. As the joint swells, many people suffer a certain amount of tenderness to this area of the body as well as the pain and discomfort already mentioned.
Frailty & Fractures
Many times, the bone metastasis will cause a weakening within the affected bone, making it more frail and vulnerable to fractures. A trauma or impact to the bone that wouldn't normally cause a break will often times result in a fracture when the cancer has metastasized to this area of the body.
Fever & Fatigue
If you were to develop breast cancer bone metastasis, you may also begin to suffer from both fever and fatigue. It all depends on how your body reacts to the spread of the cancer. You may become extremely tired or easily exhausted and could begin to run a fever of over 100 degrees F.
Anemia
As the breast cancer metastasizes to the bone, some people will begin to undergo some level of anemia, in that the blood will begin to lack healthy red blood cells, prompting a deficiency in oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body.
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