Cancer recurrence, or cancer relapse, means the return of cancer after a period of time during which it wasn't detected. The reason for cancer recurrence is a few cancer cells that survived the treatment before and were dormant, only to grow again later. Understanding different types of cancer recurrence is necessary for its treatment.
| Recurrence Type | Definition | Treatment |
| Local recurrence | Cancer reappears at the original site where it was initially treated. After initial cancer treatment, a new tumor can form in the remaining tissue. | This relapse is generally considered the least severe as the disease is contained. It requires surgery or radiation therapy, depending on the initial treatment plan. |
| Regional recurrence | Cancer relapse spreads to tissues or lymph nodes near the original tumor site. The lymphatic system gives way to stray cancer cells to travel to nearby lymph nodes. These cells then settle and begin to grow. | It requires prompt treatments like lymph node dissection, along with radiation or systemic therapies. An example of regional recurrence is skin cancer appearing in the lymph nodes of the neck or armpit. |
| Distant recurrence | Distant recurrence, or distant metastasis, occurs when cancer spreads from the original site to distant organs like the lungs, bones, liver, or brain. | It is a serious type of cancer recurrence, needing an organized treatment approach, i.e., chemotherapy, targeted radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, due to its spread throughout the body. |
Causes of cancer recurrence
The major cause of cancer recurrence is residual cells surviving the initial treatment. These cells were either too small or too scattered for their elimination. However, aggressive tumors with high growth rates or cancer diagnosis at a late stage can increase the risk of cancer recurrence. It also makes the elimination of cancer cells more difficult.
How to detect and monitor this?
Follow up regularly with your healthcare team and on physical exams like blood tests for tumor markers and imaging scans like CT, PET, or MRI to watch out for early signals of recurrence. Timely detection helps in accessing options for treatment and prognosis.
Treatment options available
To treat cancer recurrence, a personalized approach is needed. Procedures like surgery, radiation for local and regional relapse, and targeted therapy or immunotherapy for distant metastasis are some of the options.
How to live with recurrence?
Diagnosis of cancer recurrence is emotionally tough, but focusing on emotional support and long-term management techniques like palliative care can help improve a patient’s health and quality.
While understanding different types of cancer recurrence is necessary, so is the importance of timely intervention and follow-up care. With the help of medical professionals and constant monitoring, cancer relapse can be handled efficiently. This enables survivors to be prepared and ready for the treatment ahead.
Further Reading
Small Skin Changes That Can Signal Something Bigger
Role of Vitamins in Cancer Prevention
The Rise of Radioligand and Peptide Therapies in Cancer Care
How Long-Lasting Inflammation Quietly Fuels Tumor Growth
Ferroptosis in Cancer Therapy
Cellular Aging Isn’t Just About Wrinkles—It Can Drive Tumor Growth Too
Childhood Wilms’ Tumor: What Parents Should Know
Polyphenols in Berries and Breast Cancer Prevention
Nasopharyngeal Cancer: The Role of EBV Infection and Genetics
Cancer Care in LGBTQ+ Communities: Closing the Gap
PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian & Breast Cancer
