If you have ever been diagnosed with cancer you know what a frightening experience it can be. You may also know that many cancers can be managed effectively, especially when they are detected early. Despite the great strides that have been made in treating cancer, fear that the cancer may return is always on the minds of survivors. Generally speaking, there are several types of recurrences.
Local recurrences are the growth of cancerous cells in the original site.
This may mean that the cancer has spread or that the original therapy did not get rid of all of the cancer. Distant recurrences are also known as metastases. This is the spread of cancer to other organs, such as the lungs, bone, brain and liver. This is the most dangerous type of recurrence. If cancer returns, it is not considered new cancer.