Stage 3 Breast Cancer Symptoms: Expert-Identified Signs

Expert- Identified Symptoms of Stage Breast cancer

Expert cancer specialists emphasise that stage 3 symptoms are typically more noticeable and constant than in those seen in the early stages.

Here are the most common expert identified signs of stage 3 breast cancer.

A new, large growing breast lump

One of the most common signs of stage 3 breast cancers is large and rapidly growing lumps in the breast.

These may include:

• The lump is often firm or hard to touch 
• It might feel fixed rather than movable lumps
• In most cases, the pain is not always present though discomfort can occur

At this stage, the breast tumor is large enough to change the breast shape and size, making it easier to detect the cancer during self-examinations or routine activities.

Swelling in breast lump or lymph nodes

If you are starting to experience swelling in the breast or lymph nodes, then it's a key warning sign that this lump is linked to the lymphatic involvement of the breasts.

You will start to notice:

• Partial or complete swelling of one breasts
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, mostly above or below the collarbone, or near the neck of the patients
• Swelling in the upper arm on the affected side

All of these symptoms start to occur when the cancer blocks the lymph flow, causing fluid buildup in the surrounding healthy tissues.

Skin changes in the breasts

Many experts consider the skin changes to be the crucial signs of locally advanced breast cancer. 

These may include:

• Redness or warmth that does not improve 
• Thick, tightened, or hard skin
• Dimpling or pitted skin starts to look like an orange peel. 

If you are starting to experience symptoms like this, then such changes can be mistaken for infection or irritation, but constant skin abnormalities should always be evaluated by healthcare professionals.

Nipple changes and abnormal discharge

Stage 3 breast cancer can affect the nipple and areola, which often leads to substantial changes such as:

• Nipple inversion or pulling inward
• Persistent nipple pain or sensitivity
• Bloody or clear discharge which is not related to breastfeeding
• Crusting, scaling, and ulceration of the nipple area

Many experts emphasise that early symptoms allows the doctors to start the treatment sooner, and reduce complications, and improve the treatment outcomes.

Breast or chest wall pain

An early stage breast cancer often appears as painless, while in stage 3 breast cancer patients might experience pain as a common and major symptom.

The pain may present as:

• Experiencing a constant aching or pressure in the breast
• Sharp or burning sensations in the breasts
• Some might experience discomfort in the chest wall, shoulder or underarms

Pain can result from tumor growth which starts pressing on nerves or surrounding healthy tissues.

Non-healing sores or Open wounds on the breast

In some cases, the stage 3 breast cancer might causes sign such as:

• Open sores and ulcers on the breast skin
• In some breast areas that bleed or fail to heal quickly
• Skin starts to breakdown when with signs of infection

All of these symptoms suggest an advanced local tissue development and require urgent medical attention in suspected patients.

Changes in breast shapes or size

As the tumor starts to grow and spreads quickly, the breast may appear:

• It starts to misshape or gets asymmetrical
• Starts to show a visible distortion when arms are raised

Many experts stress that any unexplained, constant breast changes should be investigated.

General or systemic symptoms

These symptoms are less common or general and often found in some individuals with stage 3 breast cancer; people with this stage can experience overall health changes, including:

• Chronic fatigue not improved by proper rest
• Sudden or unintentional weight loss
• A reduced appetite
• A low-grade fever or feeling unwell

All of these symptoms are not exclusive to stage 3 cancer. Their presence, along with some sudden breast changes, might indicate the disease progression.

When to consult a doctor

It's important to consult a healthcare professional immediately if you notice any unusual or constant changes in your breasts. Early medical attention can lead to an immediate diagnosis and more effective cancer treatments. 

You should seek immediate medical advice if you start to experience these signs, including:

• A new or growing breast lump
• Redness, swelling, and skin thickening
• Swollen lymph nodes near the armpits or breasts
• Nipple changes or unexplained discharge

Please keep in mind that you should not wait until it starts to hurt; many serious breast cancers, including those at an advanced stage, might cause little to no pain initially.