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Yes, this is known as de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC), where breast cancer is initially diagnosed at stage 4 without any prior history of earlier stage breast cancer. Between 5-9% of women are diagnosed with MBC this way when they first learn they have breast cancer.

Even though the cancer was found in your lungs Show Full Answer

Yes, this is known as de novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC), where breast cancer is initially diagnosed at stage 4 without any prior history of earlier stage breast cancer. Between 5-9% of women are diagnosed with MBC this way when they first learn they have breast cancer.

Even though the cancer was found in your lungs, it's still considered breast cancer because the cancer cells originated in the breast tissue, even if no tumor was detected there. This is a common misconception - the cancer cells remain breast cancer cells regardless of where they grow in the body. There's some encouraging news - recent studies have shown that people with de novo MBC (diagnosed initially at stage 4) actually have better overall survival rates than those whose cancer recurred after earlier treatment. While MBC isn't curable, it is treatable, and newer treatment options are helping people live longer than ever before with improved outcomes.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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