Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Recurrence (relapse) means a reappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Ovarian cancer is usually very responsive to initial (first-line) chemotherapy, and most patients achieve a complete remission of their disease. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer cells can remain undetected in the body, and the majority of women will experience a recurrence of their disease months or years after initial therapy. [19]

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

While it is possible to develop a second, entirely new tumor that is not related to ovarian cancer, the situation is more unusual than a recurrence. [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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