Sometimes cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. When this happens, the breast cancer may be described in a few different ways: metastatic, advanced, or stage IV. The term "metastases" refers to specific areas of spread, such as bone metastases.

If you have signs or symptoms of metastases, your doctor will likely use local treatment (treatment directly to the cancer area) to relieve the symptoms and to control the disease at that spot. Radiation can shrink and help control specific...