There are two concepts behind secondary cancer.
The first one pertains to another primary cancer present in the patient's body which occurred in a specific area without being affected by a previous occurrence of the malignant cells.
There are two places or organs where cancer cells independently appeared.
The other one, probably the popular concept, is that it is the type of cancer where the cells did not originate from the affected part itself.
Instead, the cancer was a result of the spread of the cancerous cells from a previously affected area.
This is also known as metastatic cancer.
Secondary cancer must be given utmost attention.
Once the treatment is given for primary cancer, the affected area of the metastatic cancer must also be given attention.
The malignant cells present in the area must also be contained, just like the one in the primary area.
Otherwise, the cycle might repeat again where the affected part or organ affects surrounding areas.
An example of secondary cancer is when a patient is diagnosed with primary breast cancer.
In such case, if the disease is left untreated and uncontained, the patient may suffer secondary lung cancer.
This is because the lungs are the organs near the breasts.
Other areas that can be possibly affected and become secondary disease are the lymph nodes, the bones, the liver and the brain.
Overall, secondary cancer is more like a complication of a primary cancer when the disease has advanced its stage.
It is best to remember that with this kind of disease, early detection is 50% of the battle.
The earlier it gets detected, the better chances for the patient to recover well.
It is also in the early detection and treatment that secondary cancer is prevented which in effect, prevents further damage to the patient.