Some people think that remission means the cancer has been cured, but this is not always the case. Remission is a period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease go away and cancer cells cannot be detected by any of the tests available for that cancer. It is also possible for a patient to have a partial remission. This is when the cancer shrinks but does not completely disappear. Remissions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years. Complete remissions may go on for years and over time be considered cures. If the disease returns (recurs), another remission may be possible with further treatment.

Last Medical Review: 02/24/2009
Last Revised: 02/24/2009