Remission is a term used in medicine to describe the reduction or disappearance of the signs and symptoms of a disease). In the context of cancer, remission means that cancer treatment has reduced or eliminated the symptoms and signs of cancer. There are two types of remission:
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Partial Remission: This means that the cancer is still present, but the tumor has gotten smaller, or in cancers like leukemia, there are fewer cancer cells throughout the body.
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Complete Remission: This means that tests, physical exams, and scans show that all signs of cancer are gone. However, complete remission doesnt mean that cancer is gone forever, and cancer can come back (recur) .
Its important to note that remission doesnt necessarily mean that a person is cured of the disease). Regular checkups are necessary to ensure that the cancer remains in remission and to detect any signs of recurrence.