There are four stages of breast cancer, and those stages are further divided according to the cancer's severity. The third stage of breast cancer has a number of common symptoms; if you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. If caught early, stage 3 breast cancer is treatable.
General Symptoms
Redness, swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, a thickening of the skin, breast or nipple pain, nipple discharge and unusual lumps can all be symptoms of breast cancer.
Stage IIIA
Stage IIIA breast cancer is usually defined as a tumor found near the lymph nodes that is larger than 5 cm. Occasionally, however, no tumor is seen or felt in stage IIIA breast cancer. If the lymph nodes in the breast region, near your inner armpits, are swollen, call a doctor.
Stage IIIB
Stage IIIB cancer involves a tumor of any size that has spread to tissue near the breast. Stage IIIB also includes inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form. It is noticeable by swelling or inflammation. Your skin will often have the same texture as an orange peel in the nipple area, and extreme changes in skin color are also common.
Stage IIIC
Stage IIIC breast cancer is an invasive stage of breast cancer. If a tumor exists in the breast, it could have spread to the breast skin, under the armpits, under the breast bone or up to the collarbone. Be alert for skin near the breast area that seems abnormal in color, texture or swelling.
Treatment
Common therapies used to fight breast cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, lumpectomy and mastectomy.
Tags: breast cancer, stage breast, Stage IIIB, IIIA breast, IIIA breast cancer, lymph nodes
