“Can cancer come back after surgery?”
I had a cancerous tumor removed a few months ago, and then, it didn't look like the cancer spread at all and I thought it was cured. Now I found another lump, that almost seems like a small tumor. Is it possible that my cancer returned?
4 Answers
If the new lump is in the same area as the tumor that was removed and if the tumor was removed only a few months ago, then it is likely that you are feeling scar tissue. However, any new lumps should be examined by surgeon immediately to make sure there is not a recurrence.
Yes, cancer can come back after surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer completely (negative margins). If the cancer cannot be removed completely then it is at a much higher risk of coming back. However, if the cancer is completely removed, there is still a chance your cancer could recur. Some cancers are more aggressive and are more likely to come back than others even with it completely removed.
However, in your situation, you developed a lump a couple of months later. It would be unlikely for cancer to recur that quickly especially if you were told it was completely removed. After surgery, the body's natural response to filling in a defect (i.e. where your tumor was removed) is to fill it with fluid. Many times, this fluid can resemble another lump. Before you get too concerned, an ultrasound can usually be performed to see if it is a fluid filled space or if it looks like something has returned.
However, in your situation, you developed a lump a couple of months later. It would be unlikely for cancer to recur that quickly especially if you were told it was completely removed. After surgery, the body's natural response to filling in a defect (i.e. where your tumor was removed) is to fill it with fluid. Many times, this fluid can resemble another lump. Before you get too concerned, an ultrasound can usually be performed to see if it is a fluid filled space or if it looks like something has returned.
Unfortunately, what makes cancer cancer is its ability to come back either in the local area or somewhere else in the body. It is impossible to eliminate this risk, however, all treatment strategies following surgery are aimed at reducing the chances of this happening. As far as the other lump is concerned, you should bring it to the attention of your doctor immediately.
Yes, cancer can return after surgery because it is possible to have microscopic cells left behind. But if you are feeling a lump soon after surgery, it may just be scar tissue. You must follow up with your doctors to evaluate you.
