Breast cancer recurrence is ultimately characterized by the reappearance of cancerous cells to the originally affected area, namely the breast or chest tissue, depending on the individual's sex. Any sort of recurrence typically occurs between 3 to 5 years after a person's initial round of treatment. While it is standard practice to monitor your own condition, it can be difficult to detect whether the breast cancer has returned, making it important to understand what sort of symptoms you should be looking for in this form of cancer.
Lump
One of the very preliminary symptoms of breast cancer recurrence is a lump of about the size of a pea in and around the breast or chest.
Hardening
While it is fairly common for a person to find a lump in and around the breast or chest, some people may also feel a certain amount of hardening or thickening to the tissue of the breast or chest.
Complexion
In addition to the presence of a lump or a thickening of the tissue, the complexion of the skin on the breast or chest may be discolored. This discoloration may originate at the nipple and spread out along the breast or chest and appear reddened in color.
Fluid
Fluid may leak from their one or both nipples. This fluid may be completely void of color or appear almost milky with hints of blood streaking the discharge.
Symmetry
Some people will also notice a disproportion to the symmetry of their breasts or chests. A portion of the breast or chest may have what appears to be a pockmark, dimple or indentation.
Tags: breast chest, around breast, around breast chest, cancer recurrence, thickening tissue