There are a number of terms that may be used to describe the status of cancer following treatment. These include:

• Remission. A period in which a patient’s cancer is under control and undetectable. Following treatment, cancer may be classified as being in remission when the signs and symptoms of the disease have partially or completely disappeared. A remission, however, may not mean the disease is cured. Remissions can last from several weeks to years. When a complete remission continues for many years, the cancer may be considered cured.
  
  
• Recurrence (or relapse). The return of cancer after a period of time in which the patient appeared to be in complete remission. Recurrence may occur locally, regionally or in a distant site.
  
  
• Local recurrence. The cancer occurs at the same site as the original tumor.
  
  
• Regional recurrence. The cancer occurs in the lymph nodes near the original site.
  
  
• Distant recurrence. The cancer occurs in organs or tissues that are farther from the original site than regional lymph nodes. Distant recurrences often occur in the lungs, liver, bone marrow or brain.

When cancer returns, it is often possible to achieve another remission with additional treatment. In some cases, a different course of treatment, such as a different combination of chemotherapy drugs may be used.