Second primary cancer
A second primary cancer is a new, independent cancer that develops separately from a person's earlier cancer, rather than spreading from it.
Cancer metastasis: Cancer metastasis is the spread of malignant cells from an original tumor to distant sites in the body. A second primary is a separate tumor; metastasis is growth descended from the earlier cancer.
Treatment-related second malignancy: A treatment-related second malignancy is a new cancer associated with prior cancer treatment. Radiation and some anticancer drugs can contribute to a later, independent cancer.
Cancer surveillance: Cancer surveillance is ongoing monitoring for cancer recurrence, progression, or new cancers. Follow-up plans may include screening for second primaries as well as checks for recurrence.
Second cancer risk: Second cancer risk is the probability of developing another primary cancer after an earlier cancer. Risk varies widely with the first cancer, its treatment, age, genetics, and other exposures.
Cancer recurrence: Cancer recurrence is the return of the original cancer after a period when it could not be detected. Recurrence represents the earlier cancer returning, not an independent new malignancy.
Radiation-induced cancer: A radiation-induced cancer is a malignancy associated with exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiotherapy can increase the risk of certain second primaries, often after a long latency.
Cancer screening: Cancer screening uses tests to look for cancer before symptoms develop. Age- and risk-appropriate screening can detect a second primary at an earlier stage.
Absolute risk: Absolute risk is the probability that an event will occur over a specified period. It helps express a survivor's actual chance of a second primary, beyond relative-risk comparisons.
Multiple primary malignancies: Multiple primary malignancies are two or more distinct cancers diagnosed in one person. This broader category includes a second primary and any additional independent cancers.
Therapy-related myeloid neoplasm: A therapy-related myeloid neoplasm is a blood cancer arising after exposure to cytotoxic therapy or radiation. These neoplasms are recognized examples of second cancers linked to earlier treatment.