Cancer recurrence
Cancer recurrence refers to the return of cancer after a period of remission, which can occur months or years following the initial diagnosis. It is also known as the return of cancer or metastases. The likelihood of recurrence can be influenced by various risk factors, such as the grade of tumor cells and the involvement of lymph nodes. A recurrence happens when cancer cells that may have remained post-treatment either stay at the original site or spread to other areas of the body.
Symptoms that may indicate a cancer recurrence include new lumps, swelling, back pain, shortness of breath, unintended weight loss, and neurological changes such as headaches. Screening for recurrence involves regular follow-up care and tailored tests based on the type of cancer previously treated. Treatment options vary but often include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormonal therapy, with different medications used than in the initial treatment phase.
Prognosis after a recurrence can differ significantly depending on whether the cancer reappears locally or has metastasized to distant sites, with distant recurrences generally associated with a poorer outlook. While recurrence cannot always be prevented, adherence to follow-up care and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the risk.
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Subject Terms
Cancer recurrence
DEFINITION: When cancer returns after a period of remission, it is called a recurrence. Cancer can come back months or years after the original diagnosis.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Return of cancer, metastases
RELATED CONDITIONS: Metastasis
Risk factors: An oncologist will assess the patient’s risk of recurrence based on several factors. Tumor cells are graded based on how closely they resemble normal cells when viewed under a microscope. The less tumor cells resemble healthy cells, the higher the grade is and the greater the likelihood the cancer will recur. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, the risk of recurrence is greater, even if the cancerous lymph nodes are removed.
Etiology and the disease process: A recurrence happens because cancer cells remain after the patient is first treated. These cells may have remained at the original site or traveled to another location in the body.
Incidence: The incidence of recurrence varies significantly for different cancers and with the presence or absence of risk factors.
Symptoms: Some general symptoms may indicate that cancer has recurred, such as a new lump or swelling somewhere in the body, back pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, pain or weakness in the arms or legs, or a new onset of headaches. The specific symptoms of a recurrence will depend on the type of cancer.
Screening and diagnosis: Based on the oncologist’s assessment of the risk of recurrence, a patient will be given a schedule for follow-up care. Such care will include regular doctor visits and tests specific to the type of cancer previously diagnosed.
Treatment and therapy: Treatment will vary according to the type of cancer and how widespread the recurrence. Surgery is an option for some types of cancer, and most patients will receive some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy. The drugs used to treat a recurrence are frequently different from the drugs used to treat the original cancer. Patients with advanced cancer may want to consider entering a clinical trial to evaluate an experimental therapy.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: Prognosis after a cancer recurrence will depend on several factors, including whether the cancer returned in the same location in the body (local recurrence) or at another site (distant recurrence). Generally speaking, the prognosis is poorer for cases of distant recurrence. A recurrence cannot always be prevented; however, following recommended follow-up care guidelines is the best way to ensure that any recurrence will be caught early.
In many respects, recommended guidelines for avoiding cancer recurrence are identical to those for cancer prevention. Certain lifestyle choices can help lower risk of recurrence. These include a healthy diet eaten in moderation, physical activity, weight management, cessation of smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Bibliography
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