Resources | BREAST CANCER BASICS

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Stage 3a

(considered the starting point for advanced breast cancer) Smaller than 5 centimeters and spread to the axillary lymph nodes, which have grown attached to each other or to other structures.

or

Larger than 5 centimeters and spread to the axillary lymph nodes, which may or may not be attached to each other or to other structures.

Stage 3b

Spread to tissue near the breast (the skin or chest wall, including the ribs and chest muscles).

or

Spread to lymph nodes inside the chest wall along the breastbone.