Recurrent Small Cell Lung Cancer

Recurrence (relapse) means a reappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Small cell lung cancer is initially very responsive to initial (first-line) chemotherapy. Unfortunately, most cases of SCLC eventually become resistant to treatment, and many patients will experience a recurrence of their disease. [20]

A recurrence of lung cancer is not the same thing as a new cancer, even if it is found in a new place in your body. So if lung cancer cells appear on the liver, it is a recurrence of lung 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]

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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