Metastatic breast cancer in the abdomen

Breast cancer can sometimes spread to the stomach, ovaries, bowel, or peritoneum (lining of the abdominal organs and cavity).

This is called metastatic breast cancer in the abdomen and is treated with breast cancer drugs. It is different from cancer that starts in the abdomen.

Metastases to these areas are most commonly associated with invasive lobular breast cancer.

Symptoms of abdominal metastases

The symptoms can be nonspecific and may include:

• abdominal pain
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal swelling (‘distension’)
• bloating
• bleeding
• easily feeling full
• difficulty swallowing
• weight loss
• fatigue.

What affects treatment decisions

Treatments are available for abdominal metastases. These are often very effective at slowing the growth of the cancer and improving quality of life. The treatments your doctor recommends for you will depend on:

• your symptoms
• whether there is cancer in other parts of the body
• the pathology of the cancer (whether it is ER, PR, or HER2 receptor negative or positive)
• the treatments you’ve had in the past
• your general health
• your personal preferences.

Types of treatment

Treatment options include:

• hormone-blocking therapy
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• surgery
• radiotherapy
• medications for pain.