Breast Cancer Recurrence
Breast cancer can come back, or recur, long after treatment. It may be in the same breast (local), in the lymph nodes near the original cancer (regional), or in a part of your body that’s farther away (metastatic or distant).
Cancer is most likely to come back in the first 2 years after treatment. After that period, the risk goes down over time.
Your doctor will talk with you about what to watch for. Local symptoms include:
- A new lump in your breast
- Changes in your breast, nipple, or skin
- Lumps on the skin of your chest
- Thickening on or near the scar from surgery to remove a breast (mastectomy)
Mastectomy and surgery to replace a breast (reconstruction) may lead to a buildup of scar tissue or fat cells. These lumps aren’t cancer. But it’s important to let your doctor know about them and watch for changes.
Symptoms of regional recurrence include:
- A lump or swelling under your arm, above your collarbone, or on your chest
- Swelling in your arm
- Pain or numbness in your arm or shoulder
- Constant pain in your chest
- Trouble swallowing
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