Lung Cancer Recurrence

Even when lung cancer treatment is successful, there is still a chance that it could return later on. When it does, it is referred to as recurrent lung cancer. The pulmonary oncologists at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers are here to provide the most advanced treatments for patients whose lung cancer recurs. Even if you did not receive your initial treatment at RMCC, you can schedule a consultation to discuss the best next steps and the available therapies for your specific type of lung cancer.

Why Does Lung Cancer Recur?

While not every lung cancer survivor experiences recurrence, there are a few reasons it might happen, including:

• Micrometastasis - Before treatment, some cancer cells might have already traveled to other parts of the body but can’t be detected on scans. These hidden cells can later grow into new tumors.
• Cancer cells left behind after treatment - While we do everything possible to ensure all of the cancer is destroyed during treatment, a few cancer cells may remain. Over time, they can start growing again and form new tumors.

Risk Factors Associated With Recurrent Lung Cancer

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of lung cancer recurrence, with smoking being the primary cause. Exposure to chemicals and pollutants, as well as previous radiation therapy to the lungs, can also elevate your risk. Additionally, factors such as the stage and type of cancer at diagnosis, genetic markers, and response to initial treatment play significant roles in recurrence.

Where changes are possible—such as quitting smoking or minimizing exposure to it—it's best to make these adjustments to reduce the chances of lung cancer recurrence.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer Recurrence

The signs of lung cancer recurrence can vary among patients, as symptoms often reflect the areas where the cancer is growing. Be sure to inform your oncologist if you experience any of the following:

• New or worsening cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Unintentional weight loss
• Recurrent pneumonia or other respiratory issues
• Neurological symptoms (if brain metastases)

Even if symptoms seem minor or unrelated to the lungs, it is important to discuss them with your oncologist since they could indicate the cancer spreading to other areas of the body. Learn more about surprising symptoms of lung cancer. 

Be Sure You Go to Your Follow-up Oncology Appointments

It's hard to predict whose lung cancer will recur and when, as the risk varies from person to person. Factors such as the type and stage of your initial lung cancer significantly influence the likelihood of recurrence. This is why, even after achieving remission, you need to attend all of your oncology follow-up appointments. 

If lung cancer appears to have come back, your oncologist will confirm a diagnosis using a combination of imaging tests, such as CT and PET scans, along with blood tests to check for biomarkers. A biopsy may also be necessary. They might run biomarker tests on the biopsy sample to see if there is a genetic mutation that can be treated with a targeted therapy.

Personalized Recurrent Lung Cancer Care in Colorado

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a recurrence of lung cancer, the lung cancer doctors at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers are here to help you navigate your upcoming decisions regarding your care team and recommended treatments. Our expert team provides compassionate and comprehensive care, including the latest lung cancer treatments and access to clinical research trials.

We are dedicated to offering you the lung cancer support you need, conveniently located close to home. Find a cancer center in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, or other locations across Colorado to schedule an appointment.