The most severe condition of breast cancer occurs if it has entered stage 4 or late. Even though medically healingStage 4 breast cancer is very difficult to do,nHowever, there are several treatments that can be done to help extend life expectancy and relieve symptoms.
The stage rating of the cancer will help the doctor in determining the right treatment for the patient. In breast cancer, the determination is based on the size of the tumor, the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes, or to other parts of the body. The higher the stage number, the more severe the condition.
Types of Handling Breast Cancer Stage 4
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 a cancer, in some cases it can slow the growth of cancer cells, thereby extending life expectancy and easing pain or discomfort.
The following types of treatment can be given to stage 4 breast cancer patients:
- 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 an infusion. The target of the drug given is not only cancer cells in the main location, but also cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. 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 quite severe side effects. In advanced stages, chemotherapy may be given along with hormone therapy.
- Hormone therapyHormone therapy can be given to women whose cancer development is influenced by hormones. In other words, hormone therapy can be given to cancer patients with positive hormone receptors. Drugs included in hormone therapy include: tamoxifen, anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozoleIn addition to medication, doctors may offer options for removing the uterus in women who have not yet entered menopause. Removal of the uterus serves to reduce estrogen levels, thereby reducing the speed at which cancer cells develop due to hormones.
- Therapy target
About 20% of women with breast cancer, have cancer cells that grow fast because they contain too much protein called HER2. One of the drugs that can target this protein is trastuzumab. This drug can be given to specifically inhibit the growth of cancer cells, as well as help increase immunity.
- Radiation therapy
This step is used to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells through the provision of X-ray radiation. This type of therapy is appropriate if the spread of cancer cells is known with certainty. In addition to being irradiated at the area of the cancer developing, radiation can also be inserted through a needle or tube near the tumor site.
- Operation
The application of surgery depends on the shape and where the cancer has spread. For example, lymph nodes that have been affected by the spread of cancer, or metastases in the lungs that are still operable. 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 treatment for 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 patient's quality of life can be better.
Cancer treatment will be much better if done early. Routine breast examination 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.
