Progression to other forms of cancers

[lorpor]

My friend had breast cancer 4 years ago and has now been diagnosed with bone cancer(the site is her hip and pelvic area).  She is going to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, in 4 weeks;  she was told that when she goes there she should still refer to her cancer as breast cancer. Could you shed some light on this for me.  Also she is being told that they do not have knowledge of the cancer being anywhere else but when she asks about what might help determine this she is not getting any answers.  She asked is an MRI might help and was told that they don't generally do that.  What tests could possibly determine this? Any information would help and be better that wondering even if it's bad news.  Thank you.

[joan]

this is what i asked about on 9/10. it seems once you have had
breast cancer you never know if it will pop up again! my prayers to your friend.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear lorpor:  What your friend has experienced is called metastasis. That is, cancer that has spread.  The theory of metastasis is that cancer cells may have broken loose from the original tumor, perhaps even before it was discovered, and travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system.  Eventually, those cells that survive may locate an environment in which they can grow.  In this case it is the bone.  So, breast cancer cells are now growing in a new location - but they retain their identity as breast cancer cells.  Typically blood work is done, although it is not very specific, to determine if cancer is anywhere else.  A CT scan of the chest and abdomen could also be done to check the lungs and liver.  A CT scan of the brain or MRI is not typically done unless symptoms indicate that this is necessary.