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Breast Cancer Recurrence Center - Altoona, PA

Altoona Oncologist Doctors for Breast Cancer Recurrence

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Altoona, Pennsylvania

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Breast Cancer Recurrence

Introduction to Breast Cancer Recurrence

Breast cancer can recur at any time, but most recurrences occur in the first three to five years after initial treatment. Breast cancer can come back as a local recurrence (in the treated breast or near the mastectomy scar) or as a distant recurrence somewhere else in the body. The most common sites of recurrence include the lymph nodes, the bones, liver, or lungs.

How Do I Know There Is A Recurrence?

If you've been treated for breast cancer, you should continue to practice breast self-examination, checking both the treated area and your other breast each month. You should report any changes to your doctor right away. Breast changes that might indicate a recurrence include:

  • An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
  • Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
  • A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
  • A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
  • A marble-like area under the skin
  • A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple, including skin that is dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed (red, warm or swollen)
  • Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
  • Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple

In addition to performing monthly breast self-exams, keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. During these appointments, your healthcare provider will perform a breast exam, order lab or imaging tests as needed, and ask you about any symptoms you might have. Initially, these follow-up appointments may be scheduled every three to four months. The longer you are cancer-free, the less often you will need to see your healthcare provider. Continue to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on screening mammograms (usually recommended once a year).

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Recommended Reading Related to Breast Cancer Recurrence

Breast Biopsy »

What is a breast biopsy?

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which part or all of a suspicious breast growth is removed and examined, usually for the presence of cancer. The growth sample is suctioned out through a needle or cut out using a surgical procedure. The sample is then examined and evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist to identify non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tissue.

Words used to refer to the abnormal area or growth before and after diagnosis may include lump, mass, lesion, and tumor.

What is the purpose of a breast biopsy?

The basic aim of a breast biopsy is to determine whether or not a worrisome lump is cancer and, if it is cancer, what type it is. When no cancer is detected, the diagnosis of a benign or harmless lump is reassuring.

What specialties of physicians and practitioners do breast biopsies?

Many physicians and healthcare practitioners can be invol...

Emergency Contact for Altoona

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Altoona Hospitals *

Altoona Regional Health System Bon Secours Hospital Campus
2500 7th Ave
Altoona, PA 16602
(814)889-2011

Altoona Regional Hospital
620 Howard Ave
Altoona, PA 16601
(814)889-2011

James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center
2907 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Altoona, PA 16602
(814)943-8164

HEALTHSOUTH Altoona Rehabilitation Hospital
2005 Valley View Blvd
Altoona, PA 16602
(814)944-3535

Nason Hospital
105 Nason Dr
Roaring Spring, PA 16673
(814)224-2141

Tyrone Hospital
One Hospital Dr
Tyrone, PA 16686
(814)684-1255

Miners Medical Center
290 Haida Ave
Hastings, PA 16646
(814)247-3100

J C Blair Memorial Hospital
1225 Warm Springs Ave
Huntingdon, PA 16652
(814)643-2290

Windber Medical Center
600 Somerset Ave
Windber, PA 15963
(814)467-3000

Crichton Rehabilitation Center
320 Main St
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814)255-6800

Memorial Medical Center Lee Campus
320 Main St
Johnstown, PA 15901
(814)534-6000

Good Samaritan Medical Center
1020 Franklin St
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814)534-9000

Memorial Medical Center
1086 Franklin St
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814)534-9000

Select Specialty Hospital Johnstown
1086 Franklin St
Johnstown, PA 15905
(814)534-5000

UPMC Bedford Memorial
10455 Lincoln Hwy
Everett, PA 15537
(814)623-6161

Mount Nittany Medical Center
1800 E Park Ave
State College, PA 16803
(814)231-7000

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