Breast cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. If left untreated, these tumors can continue to grow and spread throughout the body, leading to severe and potentially fatal health complications. The disease’s impact extends far beyond the initial site, affecting various bodily systems and ultimately compromising an individual’s well-being.
Local Growth and Symptoms
When breast cancer remains untreated, the primary tumor within the breast will continue to enlarge. This growth can lead to the lump becoming more noticeable and potentially visible through the skin. The increasing size of the tumor can cause changes in the breast’s shape or size, and the skin may begin to dimple or pucker, sometimes resembling an orange peel. Nipple changes, such as retraction (turning inward) or unusual discharge, including blood-stained fluid, may also develop.
As the cancer progresses locally, it can cause pain, redness, or warmth in the breast skin, indicating inflammation or advanced disease. The tumor can also invade nearby tissues, including the chest wall. Additionally, cancer cells often spread to the lymph nodes, particularly those located in the armpit. These lymph nodes may become enlarged and firm, sometimes causing discomfort or visible swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone.
Spread Beyond the Breast
Untreated breast cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. This spread primarily occurs through two main pathways: the lymphatic system and the bloodstream. Cancer cells can enter the lymphatic vessels and travel to distant lymph nodes. From there, or directly from the primary tumor, they can enter the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, these circulating cancer cells can travel to virtually any organ. Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to specific distant sites, including the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. This distant spread makes the disease much harder to manage once established in multiple organs.
Systemic Impact of Advanced Disease
When breast cancer spreads to distant organs, it is classified as metastatic or Stage 4 disease, leading to a range of severe symptoms depending on the affected site. If cancer spreads to the bones, it can cause persistent and severe bone pain, particularly in the spine, ribs, pelvis, and long bones. This can also weaken bones, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Metastasis to the lungs can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and chest pain. Liver involvement may lead to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, and fluid buildup in the abdomen. When breast cancer spreads to the brain, individuals may experience headaches, seizures, vision changes, cognitive difficulties, and even personality shifts. These systemic effects significantly diminish an individual’s health.
Prognosis and Quality of Life
Leaving breast cancer untreated almost invariably leads to a fatal outcome. Historical data suggest that the median survival time for untreated breast cancer patients can be as low as 2.3 to 2.7 years. While some individuals might live longer, the disease progression significantly impacts their quality of life.
As the cancer advances, chronic pain becomes a prominent feature, often accompanied by extreme fatigue and weakness. Significant weight loss, known as cachexia, is common, further debilitating the individual. Widespread cancer and organ dysfunction lead to a profound decline in daily functioning. The emotional toll is also substantial, as individuals face a progressively worsening condition.