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Recurrent cancer

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Recurrent cancer

Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back after a person has had treatment and was thought to be cancer-free. A recurrence can happen soon after initial treatment is finished or months or years later. That's why careful follow-up is important.

Cancer may come back in the same organ. (This is called local recurrence.) Or it may come back in nearby tissues or lymph nodes. (This is called regional recurrence.) It may also come back in a different part of the body from where it first occurred. (This is called distant recurrence, or metastatic cancer).

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.