What are the symptoms of breast cancer recurrence?

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What are the symptoms of breast cancer recurrence?

You may experience different signs of breast cancer recurrence depending on where the cancer forms.

Local breast cancer recurrence may cause:

  • Breast lump or bumps on or under the chest.
  • Nipple changes, such as flattening or nipple discharge.
  • Swollen skin or skin that pulls near the lumpectomy site.
  • Thickening on or near the surgical scar.
  • Unusually firm breast tissue.

Regional breast cancer recurrence may cause:

  • Chronic chest pain.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Pain, swelling or numbness in one arm or shoulder.
  • Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone or breastbone.

Distant (metastatic or stage 4) breast cancer can involve any organ including bones, lungs, brain or liver. Symptoms depend on where the cancer spreads. You may experience:

Bone pain or pain in the affected area (metastatic breast cancer pain).

  • Chronic dry cough.
  • Dizziness, balance problems or seizures.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss.
  • Severe headaches.
  • Numbness or weakness.
  • Vision problems.

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