Recurrent breast cancer is breast cancer that recurs after initial treatment, says a breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata.

Although the first therapy is intended to destroy all cancer cells, a few can avoid the effects of treatment on them and survive. These undiagnosed cancer cells grow, causing recurrent breast cancer.

Recurrent breast cancer may arise months or years after your initial therapy. Cancer may come back in the same spot as initial cancer (local recurrence), or it may spread to other regions of your body (distant recurrence).

Learning you have recurring breast cancer may be worse than coping with the original diagnosis. But, you need to remember that recurrent breast cancer is far from irreparable. Early treatment may eradicate local, regional, or distant recurrent breast cancer. Medication may control the condition for long periods if a cure isn't attainable.

 

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of recurrent breast cancer differ depending on where the disease comes back.

Local recurrence

In a local recurrence, cancer comes back in the same area as your original cancer, says the breast cancer doctor in Kolkata.

Cancer could come back in the remaining breast tissue if you've undergone a lumpectomy. If you've undergone a mastectomy, cancer might reappear in the tissue that borders the chest wall or in the skin.

Signs and symptoms of a local recurrence of breast cancer inside the same breast may include the following:

• A new lump or uneven region of hardness in the breast

• Alterations in your breast skin

• Inflammation or redness of the skin

• Nipple discharge

Regional recurrence

A regional breast cancer recurrence indicates that the disease has returned to neighboring lymph nodes, says the expert of breast cancer surgery in Kolkata.

Regional breast cancer recurrence symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes located:

• Below your arm

• Near your shoulder blades

• In the notch just above the collarbone

• Around your neck

Distant recurrence

A distant (metastatic) recurrence indicates that cancer has spread to distant organs, most frequently the bones, liver, and lungs.

Among the symptoms are:

• Discomfort that persists and worsens, such as chest, back, or hip pain

• Enduring cough

• Reduced appetite

• Severe migraines

• Seizures

When to see a doctor?

Following the conclusion of your breast cancer treatment, your doctor will likely develop a plan of follow-up exams. During follow-up examinations, your doctor examines you for any symptoms or indications of cancer recurrence.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you observe persistent, concerning signs and symptoms of recurrent breast cancer, says the breast cancer surgeon in Kolkata.