Breast cancer occurs when cells develop genetic abnormalities that cause them to quickly divide. Recurrent breast cancer describes any form of breast cancer that returns after initial treatment, often the result of some cancerous cells not being killed or removed during that treatment. Recurrent breast cancer can cause symptoms depending on whether the recurrence is local, regional or distant.
Local Recurrence
Local recurrence describes breast cancer that reoccurs at the original site of the initial tumor. The Mayo Clinic notes that local recurrence of breast cancer can cause a new lump or irregular firmness to appear in the affected breast. Some patients experience a feeling of thickness in the breast or notice that the skin is pulling back. Recurrent breast cancer can also result in redness or inflammation on the breast's surface, as well as changes in the nipple, such as a new indentation. If a patient has undergone a mastectomy, local recurrent breast cancer can cause lumps or nodules to appear on the wall of the chest, or a thickening of the scar from the mastectomy.
Regional Recurrence
According to Imaginis, an independent heath information website regional recurrence of breast cancer describes recurrent breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and has invaded nearby tissues, such as the lymph nodes in the collar bone or in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes). As a result, one of the common symptoms of a regional recurrence is swelling of the lymph nodes in these areas. Regional recurrent breast cancer can also lead to persistent pain in the arm or shoulder, as well as swelling of the arm. Some patients also experience progressive loss of sensation in the arm or hand if the swollen lymph nodes affect the nearby nerves. Patients can also develop chest pain or have trouble swallowing.
Distant Recurrence
Distant recurrence of breast cancer is the most serious because it means that the cancer has metastasized to far away tissues. Imaginis explains that the symptoms of a distant recurrence depend on the tissues involved. Because breast cancer commonly metastasizes to the bones, bone pain is a common symptom. Shortness of breath can indicate lung recurrence, whereas a lack of appetite and weight loss can suggest that the breast cancer has spread to the liver. In some cases, recurrent breast cancer can spread to the brain, leading to headaches, or pain and weakness throughout the body.
