There are two types of cancer remission--partial and complete. In both types of remission, the cancer has responded to treatment, but in partial remission, cancer cells still exist and may require treatment.
Two Types of Cancer Remission
A cancer remission that is partial, according to the American Cancer Society, is the period of time when a cancer is responding positively to treatment and under control. In cancer remissions that are considered complete, all symptoms and signs of cancer disappear; a complete remission may last years and may eventually be considered a cure.
After Chemotherapy and Radiation
If your cancer has been treated with chemotherapy and radiation and is declared in remission, but not in complete remission, it is vital to realize you still have cancer, even if there are no symptoms and existing tumors have shrunk. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation are rarely able to kill all cancer cells.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy
A type of chemotherapy known as adjuvant chemotherapy can be given, sometimes during partial remission, following radiation therapy, to prevent remaining cancer cells in the body from growing and spreading. According to the chemotherapy.com website, these stray cells are often not detected in routine tests, such as CT scans.
Alternative Therapies
The same alternative therapies that helped you through chemotherapy and
radiation--acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, hypnotism and yoga, to name but a few--should be continued while your cancer is in remission, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Time, Testing and Remission
According to tirgan.com, a cancer care/second opinion website, time and testing are critical factors in any cancer remission--the longer the remission lasts, the better the prognosis. Cancer remissions must therefore be monitored regularly via tests and exams, by a medical oncologist.
Tags: cancer cells, chemotherapy radiation, complete remission, partial remission, remission cancer
