Lung cancer can recur in various forms, and the signs and symptoms may depend on where the cancer has come back
Lung cancer recurrence refers to the return of cancer cells after initial treatment. Recurrent lung cancer can occur locally, meaning it returns to the same area of the lung where the original cancer was found, or it can occur remotely, meaning it spreads to other parts of the body such as the bones, brain, or liver.
Recurrent lung cancer is often more challenging to treat than initial cancer and the prognosis is generally poorer. However, advances in treatment have improved the chances of survival for people with recurrent lung cancer.
The risk of recurrence depends on the stage and type of lung cancer at the time of the initial diagnosis, as well as the type of treatment received. For example, people with early-stage, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a lower risk of recurrence than those with advanced-stage or small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
Treatment options for recurrent lung cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage and location of recurrent cancer, as well as the person's overall health and preferences.
Common signs and symptoms of recurrent lung cancer include:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Recurrent infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Swelling of the face, neck, or arms
- Bone pain or fractures
There are several types of lung cancer recurrence, which can be classified based on where cancer has come back:
- Local recurrence: This occurs when the cancer returns to the same area of the lung where the original cancer was found. It can occur in the same lobe or in a different part of the same lobe.
- Regional recurrence: This occurs when the cancer returns to nearby lymph nodes or other structures in the chest. It can also be referred as loco-regional recurrence.
- Distant recurrence: This occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, liver, or other organs. Distant recurrence is also known as metastasis.
- Synchronous recurrence: This occurs when a new primary lung cancer is found at the same time as a recurrence of the original cancer.
- Metachronous recurrence: This occurs when a new primary lung cancer is found after a recurrence of the original cancer.
What Causes Lung Cancer Recurrence?
The exact cause of lung cancer recurrence is not fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to it, including:
- Remaining cancer cells: Despite initial treatment, some cancer cells may remain in the body and continue to grow, leading to recurrence.
- Cancer stem cells: Some studies have suggested that a small population of cancer stem cells may be resistant to treatment and may be responsible for recurrence.
- Genetic mutations: Cancer cells can develop new genetic mutations that allow them to evade treatment and continue to grow.
- Changes in the tumor microenvironment: The environment surrounding the cancer cells, such as the blood vessels, immune cells, and other cells in the tumor, can change in ways that promote the growth of cancer cells.
- Other risk factors: Some studies have suggested that smoking, exposure to air pollution, exposure to certain chemicals, and having a family history of lung cancer may increase the risk of recurrence.
Treatment Options for Lung Cancer Recurrence
The treatment options for lung cancer recurrence will depend on the stage and location of recurrent cancer, as well as the person's overall health and preferences. Some options include:
- Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove recurrent cancer that is located in one area if it is possible. It is most commonly used for local recurrence.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to treat local or regional recurrence, as well as to relieve symptoms such as pain from metastatic tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to treat distant recurrence or to relieve symptoms from metastatic tumors.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific molecules that drive the growth of cancer cells. It can be used in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the immune system fight cancer cells. It can be used in addition to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
- Clinical Trials: Recurrent lung cancer patients may also have the option of participating in clinical trials to access new and innovative treatments that are not yet widely available.
Tags:
Cancer Care
