-
Overview
Signs of Breast Cancer RecurrenceFor those who have ever had breast cancer, the news of a recurrence is not pleasant. It is much easier to accept the first diagnosis rather than the second. Avoiding a return of cancer isn't guaranteed. However, there is a way to try an avoid it. There are also some distinct signs of breast cancer recurrence. There are three different types of breast cancer recurrence. Therefore there will be different signs depending upon the type that you have.
Significance
When cancer cells grow back in the same location as the original cancer it is called a local recurrence. A sign of this type of recurrence usually is manifested by a small lump. Usually it is located where the scar for the original surgery occurred. If left untreated it can progress to the next level.
Types
A more serious type is called a regional recurrence. This involves the spreading of cancer into the lymph nodes and the pectoral muscles located in the chest. Thankfully this type of breast cancer recurrence is rare. A few of the signs of this type of recurrence are a lump in the arm pit or swelling in the arm pit.
Effects
Metastatic recurrence breast cancer or sometimes referred to as distant recurrence is a serious type of recurrence. Signs of this type include lack of appetite, headaches, shortness of breath and pain in the bones.
Warning
Because there is always that fear that the cancer will reoccur women tend to accept a mastectomy over a lumpectomy. However, a recurrence may infect the chest wall due to breast tissue that may be left after a mastectomy. Because of this, it is essential that radiation treatment follows this type of surgery.
Theories/Speculation
According to a study published in a March 2007 issue of "Cancer," an American Cancer Society journal, "Radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery for breast cancer reduces recurrence and prevents development of additional breast tumors in older women with early stage breast disease."
Expert Insight
Breast cancer recurrence is serious. According to the American Cancer Society, 465,000 women worldwide will die from breast cancer. Always visit your physician when you experience any of the following symptoms: a small marble size lump under the skin, a lump that feels like the size of a pea, skin around the nipple or breast that has a red pigment, clear or bloody discharge from nipple, lump under the armpit, or any other change in the skin or breast tissue that you may notice.
