Breast cancer could recur at whatever time, but the majority of recurrences happen in the first three to five years following first treatment.
Breast cancer could reappear as a local recurrence (in the treated breast or near the mastectomy scar) or as a far-away recurrence anywhere else in the body.
The most usual locations of recurrence consist of the lymph nodes, the bones, liver, or lungs.
Women who have been treated for breast cancer must keep on practicing breast self-examination, checking both the treated organ and the other breast every month.
A woman is supposed to convey any alterations to her doctor without delay.
Breast alterations that may be a sign of a recurrence take in: - A part that is definitely different from any other part on either breast - A lump or thickening, in or near the breast or in the underarm, that persists by way of the menstrual cycle - A alteration in the size, shape, or contour of the breast - A mass or lump, which might feel as small as a pea - A marble-like part beneath the skin - A alteration in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple - Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples - Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple A recurrence of non-invasive breast cancer is less critical than a recurrence of invasive cancer.
Generally, invasive local recurrences are more aggressive because they have a second possibility of extending (metastasizing) to other organs of the body.
Breast cancer could reappear in the following ways: - Local recurrence happens in the breast where the cancer first begun, or in the skin and underlying tissues where the breast used to be.
This kind of recurrence could occur even if you've had a mastectomy.
- Regional recurrence takes place in the lymph nodes near the affected breast.
These "regional" lymph nodes contain nodes found under the arm (axillary nodes) and in the chest wall, for example those under the breastbone or under the pectoral muscle at the front of the chest.
- Metastatic recurrence happens in other areas of the body, like in the lung, liver, bone, or brain If you have been detected with breast cancer, you and your doctor should make a decision on a course of treatment.
First treatment (surgery to remove the tumor and any lymph nodes where the cancer may have extended) might be complemented by other therapies, when suitable.
Other therapies consist of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy to decrease the risk of cancer recurring.