Recurrent Cervical Cancer

Recurrence (relapse) means a return of the cancer, often with its signs and symptoms. While most women will respond to initial therapy, disease recurrence is common. One of the cancer-causing HPV types, Type 18, is associated with a higher incidence of recurrence. [38]

A recurrence of cervical cancer is not the same thing as a new cancer, even if it is found in a new place in your body. So if cervical cancer cells appear on the liver, it is a recurrence of cervical cancer and not a new case of liver cancer. What matters is the type of cells that are found in a reappearance of cancer. If they are the same cells as the original tumor, it is a recurrence of the disease. [27] Recurrent cervical cancers are classified by location: local or distant. [11]

• Local recurrence occurs when the cancer comes back in or very close to the same place as the original cervical cancer (in the pelvic organs near the cervix).
• Distant recurrence is when the cervical cancer spreads (metastasizes) to other tissues or organs far from the site of the original cancer.

Recurrence of your cancer can be discouraging. Visit our support group section to get connected to others who may be going through the same thing.

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