What does breast cancer metastasis and recurrence mean

After modified radical mastectomy, when a nodule appears on the chest wall and a surgical biopsy confirms breast cancer, but no other abnormalities are found in a full-body examination, the patient is said to have a "local recurrence." When imaging examinations reveal bone metastasis, lung metastasis, liver metastasis, and brain metastasis, it is called "distant metastasis."

Recurrence in a broad sense includes local recurrence and distant metastasis. For patients with breast-conserving breast cancer, when a nodule appears again in the affected breast, and a surgical biopsy confirms it is "breast cancer" and it is confirmed that it is not a new breast cancer, it is also called local recurrence.

Some patients feel desperate after local recurrence or distant metastasis, but there is no need to feel desperate. After problems occur, various measures can be taken to control the disease, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, biological therapy, etc. After regular and appropriate treatment, many patients can achieve clinical cure and long-term survival.

Negative emotions can have a very negative impact on health. Patients with problems are advised not to despair, but to actively receive treatment and spend this period with a good attitude. Therefore, actively solve all difficulties in life.