Understanding the Various Treatments for Stage 4 Breast Cancer

The most severe condition of breast cancer occurs if it has entered stage 4 or the end. Although medically healing stage 4 breast cancer is very difficult to do, but there are some treatments that can be done to help extend life expectancy and alleviate the symptoms suffered. Ranking the stage in cancer will help the doctor determine the right treatment for the patient. In breast cancer, the determination is determined based on tumor size, spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes, or to other body parts. The higher the stadium number, the more severe the condition suffered.

Variety of Management of Stage 4 Breast Cancer

There are many ways of treatment that can be given with the aim that patients can live longer with a good quality of life. For example, by reducing the size of the cancer, in some cases it can slow the progression of cancer cells, thereby extending life expectancy and alleviating pain or discomfort. The following types of treatment can be given to patients with stage 4 breast cancer:

• Chemotherapy

In stage 4 breast cancer, chemotherapy is the main treatment method. Chemotherapy can be given in the form of fluids, pills, or in the form of infusions. The target of the drug is given not only cancer cells in the main location, but also cancer cells that have spread to other body parts. Unfortunately, this chemotherapy drug in addition to killing cancer cells, can also have an impact on healthy cells in the body. In addition, it can also provide side effects that are quite heavy. At an advanced stage, chemotherapy may be given along with hormone therapy.

• Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can be given to women whose hormone development is affected by cancer. In other words, hormone therapy can be given to cancer patients with positive hormone receptors. Medications included in hormone therapy include tamoxifen, anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozol. In addition to drugs, doctors can offer the option of removing the uterus in women who have not yet entered menopause. Removal of the uterus plays a role in reducing estrogen levels, thereby reducing the speed of spread of cancer cells that develop due to hormones.

• Target Therapy

About 20% of women with breast cancer have cancer cells that develop rapidly because of too much protein, called HER2. One drug that can target the protein is trastuzumab. This drug can be given to inhibit the growth of cancer cells specifically, while helping to increase immunity.

• Radiation therapy

This step is used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells through X-ray radiation. This type of therapy is appropriate if the spread of cancer cells is known with certainty. Besides being able to be irradiated in the developing cancer area, radiation can also be inserted through a needle or a tube near the tumor location.

• Operation

The application of surgery depends on the form and the part where the cancer has spread. For example, lymph nodes that have been affected by the spread of cancer, or metastases in the lung that can still be operated on. In addition, in certain cases, surgery may be needed to remove the ovaries to reduce levels of the hormone estrogen.

In addition, there is also the management of stage 4 breast cancer with pain management. The choice of cancer pain management method depends on the source and type of pain suffered. By relieving pain, it is hoped that the quality of life of patients can be better. Cancer treatment will be much better if done early. Perform routine breast examinations, is one way to detect abnormalities in the breast as early as possible. If cancer has been detected, it is recommended that you check with your doctor regularly to monitor the condition of the cancer you are experiencing.