How do you know if breast cancer has spread?
Computed tomography (CT) scan This test is most often used to look at the chest and/or belly (abdomen) to see if breast cancer has spread to other organs, like the lungs or liver.
What does breast cancer spreading feel like?
If the breast or chest wall is affected, symptoms may include pain, nipple discharge, or a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm. If the cancer has spread to bones, symptoms may include pain, fractures or decreased alertness due to high calcium levels.
How do I know if my cancer has spread?
Symptoms of Metastatic Cancer Some common signs of metastatic cancer include: pain and fractures, when cancer has spread to the bone. headache, seizures, or dizziness, when cancer has spread to the brain. shortness of breath, when cancer has spread to the lung.
Can you feel if breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes?
The most common symptom if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes is that they feel hard or swollen. You might have any of the following symptoms if your cancer has spread to the lymph nodes: a lump or swelling under your armpit. swelling in your arm or hand (lymphoedema)
Where is the most common place for breast cancer to spread?
The lymph nodes under your arm are the first place breast cancer is most likely to spread. It might also travel into the tissue surrounding your breast, like in your chest, or it might travel up to your collarbone or lower neck.
Can breast cancer spread if not in lymph nodes?
cancers that originally had no lymph node involvement can recur and develop metastatic disease. the body, where they take up residence and continue to grow and divide in that one particular spot.
Is breast cancer painful in early stages?
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft, or round. They can even be painful.