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Recurrent cancer

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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, 2023

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.

Current as of: October 25, 2023

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.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.