What are the Symptoms of Stage 3 Breast Cancer?

Stage 3 Breast Cancer Guide – Symptoms & Treatment Insights

Breast cancer in stage 3 is regarded as progressing when it has spread to adjacent tissues or lymph nodes but not to other organs. At this point, the symptoms are more noticeable and can have a big influence on day-to-day activities. Being aware of these symptoms can assist people in seeking prompt medical attention.

Common Symptoms of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Following are the common symptoms related to stage 3 breast cancer:

Symptom 1: A Noticeable Lump or Thickening in the Breast

One of the key symptoms is a persistent breast lump. In contrast to smaller or less distinct lumps in previous stages, the stage 3 lump could:

• Be bigger
• Feel rigid or anchored to the tissue around you
• Expand over time

It could or might not hurt. However, examining any new or changing lump is important, even if prior mammograms were normal.

Symptom 2: Changes in Breast Size or Shape

When breast cancer reaches stage 3, one breast may seem noticeably different from the other. You can observe the following:

• One breast augmentation or swelling
• Unusual shrinkage or flattening
• Asymmetry or uneven breast shape

Although these alterations may occur gradually, they usually become more apparent as the disease spreads.

Symptom 3: Skin Changes Over the Breast

The skin that covers the breast is frequently affected by advanced breast cancer. These modifications might consist of:

• Inflammation or redness
• Skin that is puckered, thick, or dimpled (like an orange peel)
• A coarse, scaly appearance

These signs may point to the dissemination of cancer cells to the skin or the existence of inflammatory breast cancer.

Symptom 4: Nipple Abnormalities

There may also be noticeable alterations in the nipple region. These may consist of:

• Inversion (drawing the nipple inward)
• Skin that is scaling, flaking, or crusting
• Unusual discharge, particularly if it is transparent or red

These symptoms, particularly if they continue over time, should not be mistaken for mild illnesses or irritations.

Symptom 5: Swelling in the Armpit or Near the Collarbone

Nearby lymph nodes are typically affected by stage 3 breast cancer. A swelling lump beneath the arm (axillary lymph nodes) may result from this.

• A noticeable bulge above or below the collarbone or puffiness
• Aching or tenderness in certain places

Lymph node swelling frequently signifies that the cancer has started to spread locally and has to be treated right away.

Additional and Systemic Symptoms

The body may start to exhibit symptoms of strain or systemic involvement when the disease progresses to stage 3. Despite not being exclusive to the breast, the following symptoms are linked to the development of the disease:

1. Persistent Pain in the Breast or Chest Area

Breast cancer does not always hurt, but by stage 3, it becomes increasingly prevalent. You may feel like:

• A throbbing or dull aching in your breast
• Pains that are sharp and stabbing
• Persistent pain in one area of your breast

In certain situations, this discomfort may radiate to the back or even the chest wall.

2. Fatigue and General Weakness

As your body copes with the increasing tumour load and immunological response, fatigue becomes increasingly apparent. It may lead to:

• Extreme fatigue that does not go away with rest
• Reduced physical endurance
• Having trouble focusing or feeling disoriented

This type of exhaustion is distinct from ordinary fatigue and tends to last even in the absence of physical activity.

3. Noticeable Weight Loss or Appetite Changes

Some people with stage 3 breast cancer may start to experience the following symptoms, though these are more prevalent in metastatic stages:

• Unaccounted-for weight loss
• Reduced appetite or rapid feelings of fullness
• Alterations in metabolism brought on by the illness

These symptoms may indicate how the cancer is starting to impact the general working of the body.

Stages of Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Different stages of stage 3 breast cancer vary depending on tumour size and whether cancer cells extend to the breast's surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.

1. Stage 3A:

Stage 3A breast cancer is the earliest classification. In this stage, invasive cancer spreads into nearby lymph nodes from breast tissues. Characterised by the following:   

• Any size of tumour cells or cancer cells found in around 4 to 9 lymph nodes in the armpit or spread of lymph nodes to the nearby breastbone.
• Stage 3A cancer mainly spreads to 1 or among 3 lymph nodes of the armpit.
• The primary tumour size is usually bigger than 5 cm.  

2. Stage 3B:

In this 3B stage, invasive cancer extends beyond lymph nodes and breast tissues to chest walls and the skin of the breast. Follow the ways of characterisation below:

• Cancer extended to the chest wall.
• Diagnosis of stage 3B breast cancer is performed as inflammatory breast cancer.
• This cancer cell may spread into 9 lymph nodes near the breastbone or armpit.
• In this stage of cancer, actual tumours are not detectable in the breast.
• Often, there are ulcers and swelling in the breast area.

3. Stage 3C:

In this stage, cancer cells also extend into chest walls from lymph nodes and breast tissues where the cancer was initiated.  Characteristics of this cancer are:

• Stage 3c breast cancer spreads to muscles, bones and fat that tend to protect important organs around and in the chest area.
• Cancer can spread to more than 10 lymph nodes.

It can extend to below or above the collarbone lymph nodes and breastbone or underarm.

Potential Treatments for Stage 3 Breast Cancer

Treatment options for stage 3 breast cancer vary widely and consist of oral medication, surgery and therapies. Here is a list of treatment options.

• Targeted cancer drug therapy such as Herceptin, Perjeta, Nerlynx, Kadcyla, and Verzenio before or after surgery as per doctor's prescription.  
• Hormonal therapy with estrogen receptor modulators Nolvadex and Arimidex, which is an aromatase inhibitor. These oral medicines prevent the growth of the positive hormone receptor tumours as they affect cancer cells or hormones.
• Chemotherapy targets cancer cells and destroys cell growth.
• Radiotherapy destroys cancerous cells with high-energy particles or rays. Brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy are the most applied 2 radiation therapies.
• Performing surgery helps to directly remove the cancer and surrounding parts of the breast or entire breast or lymph nodes. Breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and lymph node dissection are cancer removal surgery options.

There are 3 sub-stages of stage 3 breast cancer. In stage 3 breast cancer, cancer cells spread into the chest wall, such as bones, muscles and fat from breast tissue. Surgery removes cancer cells or lymph nodes to prevent further growth of tumour cells in the body. Besides, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy are the best treatment options for stage 3 breast cancer.

Compared to earlier stages, stage 3 breast cancer exhibits more severe and obvious symptoms, which frequently affect the breasts and the surrounding regions' look and functionality. Early identification of these symptoms, particularly when they coexist, can significantly impact results.

For appropriate screening, imaging, and diagnosis, anybody observing these warning indicators should speak with a healthcare professional. Effective management of stage 3 breast cancer requires prompt and vigorous therapy.