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Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
When cancer reappears after a period undetectability following treatment, it is referred to as cancer recurrence. The recurrent cancer may reoccur at its initial site or manifest in a different location within the body. In such a case, it retains its original name based on the body part it initially started, even if the cancer spreads to a new area. In this article, we will discuss whether lung cancer reoccurs in every case. We will also examine the reasons behind the recurrence of lung cancer.
Does lung cancer commonly reappear?
Lung cancer does not always come back, but there is a risk of recurrence. The likelihood of recurrence depends on various factors. These include the stage of the cancer at the time of initial treatment, the effectiveness of the treatment, and individual patient characteristics. In some cases, despite successful treatment and apparent remission, lung cancer can recur. This can happen if some cancer cells manage to survive during the treatment, and multiply, and form new tumors. These residual cancer cells may remain dormant for a period of time before becoming active again and causing a relapse of the disease.
However, it’s important to note that not all lung cancer cases will experience recurrence. Some individuals may achieve long-term remission or even a cure if there is early detection and effective treatment of the cancer. Continued surveillance is also important to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence. Each case is unique, and the risk of recurrence varies from person to person.
Why does lung cancer sometimes reoccur even after treatment?
Lung cancer can relapse in certain cases when not all cancer cells are eliminated during treatment, allowing some cells to remain in the body. Research has shown that up to 24% of people experience lung cancer recurrence following surgery. This relapse occurs due to several factors. Firstly, cancer cells can separate from the tumor mass and go undetected during surgery, leading to residual cancer cells that can later grow and cause a relapse. Secondly, cancer cells have the ability to mask themselves, evading detection and escaping treatment. These mechanisms employed by cancer cells contribute to the challenges in achieving a complete eradication of lung cancer, making it a formidable disease.
Why is lung cancer recurrence more likely in advanced-stage cases?
The likelihood of lung cancer recurrence increases when the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage. In the later stages, the cancer cells end up growing extensively and spreading to distant parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. This extensive spread makes it difficult to locate and eliminate each individual cancer cell. Consequently, some cancer cells may go unnoticed and survive the initial treatment. These remaining cells have the potential to multiply rapidly and trigger a relapse of lung cancer. The advanced stage of the disease poses challenges for achieving a complete cure, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to improve outcomes.
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