Diagnosis and Monitoring of MBC
Diagnosing and monitoring metastatic breast cancer (MBC) involves several steps to ensure the most accurate and effective care. When MBC is suspected, doctors use imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to locate and measure the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Sometimes, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and understand the specific characteristics of the cancer. Once diagnosed, regular monitoring through follow-up scans and blood tests is essential to track the cancer’s progress and the effectiveness of treatments. This helps doctors adjust treatment plans as needed to provide the best possible care for each patient.
Biopsy
Biopsy is a procedure used to take a small sample of tissue from a tumor or suspicious area to check for cancer cells. For metastatic breast cancer (MBC), a biopsy helps confirm if cancer has spread to other parts of the body and understand its characteristics. The procedure is usually done with a needle that is guided by imaging techniques like an ultrasound or CT scan. In some cases, a small incision may be made to remove a larger piece of tissue. The sample is then examined under a microscope in a lab. While the idea of a biopsy might seem intimidating, it’s a quick and generally safe procedure that provides important information to help doctors decide the best treatment for you.
Liquid Biopsy
Liquid Biopsy is a simple blood test that helps doctors learn more about cancer without needing a traditional tissue biopsy. By analyzing a small sample of your blood, this test can detect tiny fragments of cancer DNA that are released into the bloodstream. This helps doctors monitor how the cancer is behaving, check for genetic changes, and see how well treatments are working. It’s less invasive than a traditional biopsy, meaning no surgery or lengthy procedures, and it can be done more frequently to keep a close watch on the cancer.
Bone Scan
A bone scan is a test that helps doctors see if metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has spread to your bones. During the test, a small amount of a safe, radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance travels to your bones and collects in areas where there might be cancer. After a few hours, you’ll lie down on a table while a special camera takes pictures of your bones. These pictures show areas of increased activity, which might indicate the presence of cancer. A bone scan helps doctors find cancer in the bones early and plan the best treatment for you. It’s a simple and painless test that provides important information about your condition.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
MRI Is an imaging test that helps doctors get detailed pictures of the inside of your body to look for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). During the test, you’ll lie down on a table that slides into a large, tunnel-like machine. The MRI machine uses strong magnets and radio waves to create clear images of your organs and tissues without using any radiation. Sometimes, you might receive a special dye called contrast to make the images even clearer. An MRI is especially good at showing soft tissues and can help doctors see where the cancer has spread, helping them plan the best treatment for you. It’s a safe and painless test that provides valuable information about your condition.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
CT is an imaging test that helps doctors see inside your body to check for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). During the scan, you will lie down on a table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped machine. This machine takes many detailed X-ray pictures from different angles, which a computer then combines to create a 3D image of your body. Sometimes, you might be given a special dye called contrast to make the images clearer. A CT scan helps doctors see where the cancer has spread and measure the size of tumors. It’s a quick and painless test that provides important information to guide your treatment.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan)
PET Scan is a type of imaging test used to find and monitor metastatic breast cancer (MBC). During the scan, a small amount of a safe, radioactive sugar is injected into your bloodstream. Cancer cells tend to use more sugar than normal cells, so they absorb this substance. The PET scan is used along with a CT scan to take detailed pictures of your whole body, showing where the cancer has spread and how active it is. This helps doctors understand the extent of the cancer and how well treatments are working. It’s a valuable tool for making informed decisions about your care.
FES Positron Emission Tomography (FES PET Scan)
FES PET Scan is a special type of imaging test used to check for ER+ positive disease. “FES” stands for Fluoroestradiol, which is a form of estrogen. During the scan, a small amount of a radioactive substance that mimics estrogen is injected into your bloodstream. Cancer cells that are sensitive to estrogen will absorb this substance. The PET scan then takes detailed pictures of your body to show where the cancer is and how much of it is there. This helps doctors understand more about your cancer and plan the best treatment for you. It’s a safe and helpful way to see how the cancer is responding to therapy.
* NCCN Guidelines® for clinicians and patients have changed to include recommendations for the use of FES PET for ER+ positive disease under certain circumstances during the systemic staging workup of patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Sources/Additional Information
- National Cancer Institute Dictionary NCI dictionaries
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). “Metastatic Breast Cancer Guidelines.” NCCN Guidelines for Patients
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