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Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. After mammograms, self-exams, and doctor visits, hearing the words "you have breast cancer" raises urgent questions: What happens next? What treatment options are available? What stage am I in?
Knowing the stage of breast cancer is essential—it helps determine treatment, prognosis, and your care plan moving forward.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can present differently depending on the person and the stage. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Persistent breast pain
- Redness or pitted skin resembling an orange peel
- Swelling in all or part of the breast
- Nipple discharge (especially bloody or clear)
- Scaling, peeling, or flaking of the nipple or breast skin
- Sudden change in breast size or shape
- Inverted nipple
- A lump or swelling under the arm
Learn more about how to tell if a breast lump is cancerous and the signs of healthy breasts.
Breast Cancer Stages Explained
Stage 0: Carcinoma in Situ
This is the earliest stage. The cancer cells are confined to the ducts or lobules and have not spread.
Treatment Options:
- Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)
- Simple mastectomy (if needed)
Stage 1: Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Cancer has spread to nearby tissue but remains localized. Tumors are generally smaller than 2 cm.
Treatment Options:
- Lumpectomy or mastectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy (in some cases)
Stage 2: Regional Spread
Cancer is growing but has not yet spread to distant organs. It may involve lymph nodes or be between 2 and 5 cm in size.
Treatment Options:
- Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
Stage 3: Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Cancer has spread more extensively to lymph nodes and nearby tissues but not to distant organs.
Treatment Options:
- Neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone or targeted therapies
Stage 4: Metastatic Breast Cancer
Cancer has spread to distant organs such as bones, liver, or lungs. This is the most advanced stage.
Treatment Options:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Palliative care (if needed)
Early detection plays a key role in survival. Learn more about breast cancer survival rates and how regular checkups save lives.
Expert Breast Cancer Care in the Bay Area
At BASS Cancer Center in Walnut Creek, our team of breast cancer specialists offers compassionate, comprehensive care. From diagnosis to treatment, we provide personalized support every step of the way.
Whether you need a diagnostic scan or annual screening, our Imaging Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for early detection.
And if you need a trusted provider to help guide you through your health journey, our Primary Care team is here for you.
Take the Next Step Toward Care
Early detection and timely treatment can make all the difference. If you’ve noticed symptoms or received a diagnosis, don’t wait.
Request an appointment today to speak with one of our specialists.
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