What is it called when a disease is in remission?

September 25, 2025 •

4 min read

While commonly used, the term 'remission' has specific meanings depending on the disease, and for many conditions, it signals an inactive or dormant state. When you ask, "What is it called when a disease is in remission?" the answer depends on the context, often including terms like 'complete remission' or 'no evidence of disease' (NED).

Quick Summary

When a disease is in remission, it signifies a period where the signs and symptoms have decreased or disappeared, which can be described as partial or complete, depending on the extent of improvement. It does not always equate to a cure, particularly for chronic conditions like cancer, where 'no evidence of disease' (NED) is a more accurate and cautious term. Remission can last for varying lengths of time, and some diseases may have periods of relapse or recurrence after remission.

Key Points

Remission Defined: Remission is a period where disease signs and symptoms are reduced or have disappeared, but it does not always mean a cure.
Partial vs. Complete: Partial remission is a significant decrease in symptoms, while complete remission is the total disappearance of detectable disease.
No Evidence of Disease (NED): Often used for complete cancer remission, NED acknowledges that no signs of cancer are visible on tests, but a microscopic presence is still possible.
Remission is NOT a Cure: For many chronic diseases, remission is a state of successful management, not a permanent eradication of the illness.
Risk of Relapse: A disease can return after a period of remission, a process known as recurrence or relapse.
Vigilance is Key: Post-remission surveillance is vital for many diseases to detect any potential return of the illness as early as possible.

Understanding the Meaning of Remission

In the medical field, the term 'remission' refers to a period during which the symptoms and signs of a disease are significantly reduced or have disappeared entirely. This concept is critical for patients with chronic conditions, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and mental illnesses, as it marks a positive turning point in their treatment journey. However, the precise meaning of 'remission' can vary depending on the specific illness, the degree of symptom reduction, and the perspective of the medical professional.

Partial Remission vs. Complete Remission

Medical professionals often distinguish between two primary types of remission: partial and complete. Understanding the difference is crucial for patients and their families to have realistic expectations about their health status.

Partial Remission Partial remission occurs when the signs and symptoms of a disease have decreased but have not disappeared completely. For instance, in cancer, this might be defined as a tumor shrinking by a certain percentage, such as 50% or more, even if it is still detectable. In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, it could mean experiencing fewer swollen or tender joints and lower levels of pain, but not a total absence of symptoms.

Complete Remission Complete remission is achieved when all signs and symptoms of the disease have disappeared. In oncology, this means that medical tests, such as scans and bloodwork, can no longer detect any cancer. However, even in complete remission, there is a possibility that some disease cells or markers may remain at a level undetectable by current testing methods. This is why doctors often use terms like 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED) instead of 'cured,' particularly for cancer.

'No Evidence of Disease' (NED): A Common Term

For cancer patients, the phrase 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED) is frequently used, especially when referring to complete remission. NED indicates that there are no signs of cancer on scans or other tests, but it does not carry the absolute finality of the word 'cure'. This is because it is often impossible to be certain that every single microscopic cancer cell has been eliminated, and there is always a risk of recurrence. The term NED acknowledges the positive treatment outcome while maintaining a cautious outlook regarding the potential for the disease to return.

Remission in Different Medical Contexts

The definition and experience of remission can be profoundly different depending on the disease in question. This highlights the importance of discussing your specific condition with your healthcare provider.

Autoimmune Diseases: In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, remission may mean a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and symptoms. It can be a long-term goal for managing these chronic, incurable conditions.
Mental Health: For disorders like depression, remission is typically defined by the absence of impairing symptoms for a certain period. However, this does not mean the person is entirely free of all symptoms, as they may exist at a lower, less disruptive frequency.
Spontaneous Remission: In rare cases, a disease may go into remission without medical intervention. This phenomenon, known as spontaneous remission or spontaneous regression, is most commonly documented in certain cancers. The exact cause is not always clear, but it is a well-documented medical occurrence.

Remission vs. Cured: A Critical Distinction

One of the most important aspects of this topic is distinguishing between 'remission' and 'cured.' While remission is a highly positive outcome, it is not always a permanent state and does not guarantee the disease is gone forever.


Feature	Remission	Cured
Disease Status	Inactive or dormant; symptoms are gone or reduced.	Disease is entirely eradicated from the body.
Recurrence Risk	Possible, especially for many chronic illnesses.	Unlikely to recur; minimal or no risk.
Medical Terminology	Used for a variety of conditions, often qualified as 'partial' or 'complete.'	Often avoided by cautious doctors, especially in cancer.
Follow-up Care	Necessary to monitor for signs of recurrence or relapse.	May require less intensive follow-up after a prolonged period.

For many chronic diseases, 'cure' is an aspiration, while 'remission' is a more realistic and achievable goal for managing the condition long-term. Even after achieving complete remission, doctors will continue to monitor the patient for any signs of the disease returning, a process known as surveillance.

The Possibility of Relapse and Recurrence

Relapse or recurrence is the return of the disease after a period of remission. This can be a devastating development for patients who believed their illness was behind them. The risk of relapse varies depending on the disease, its stage, and the effectiveness of the initial treatment. Patients in remission, particularly from cancer, must remain vigilant and attend regular follow-up appointments to catch any signs of recurrence early.

Medical science continues to research methods for preventing relapse and improving the durability of remission. This includes new treatments, better surveillance techniques, and a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms that cause diseases to become active again.

Life After Remission

Achieving remission is a major milestone, but it is also the beginning of a new phase of life. Post-remission life often involves a new normal, including managing potential long-term side effects of treatment, adjusting to new lifestyle changes, and dealing with the psychological impact of having had a serious illness. A key part of living well after remission is staying connected with your medical team and advocating for your own health. Comprehensive care plans, including support groups and mental health resources, can be beneficial for many individuals in this phase of their journey.

An excellent source for understanding more about life after cancer treatment is the National Cancer Institute's guide on survivorship.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a disease is in remission, it is simply called being 'in remission.' Depending on the context and the specific disease, it can be further defined as 'partial remission' or 'complete remission.' For cancer, doctors also frequently use the term 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED).

No, remission is not the same as being cured. Remission means the disease is currently inactive or dormant, and its signs and symptoms have disappeared. A cure implies a permanent eradication of the disease, with no chance of it returning.

Partial remission is when a disease has significantly improved, but some signs and symptoms are still present. For example, in cancer, this might mean a tumor has shrunk but has not disappeared completely.

Complete remission occurs when all detectable signs and symptoms of a disease have vanished. In cancer, this is often referred to as 'No Evidence of Disease' (NED).

NED is a term often used for cancer patients in complete remission. It means that tests and scans cannot detect any visible or measurable signs of the disease at the present time. It's a careful term that avoids promising a permanent cure.

The return of a disease after a period of remission is known as a relapse or recurrence. The risk of this happening varies depending on the specific disease and individual circumstances.

Yes, many chronic diseases, such as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and certain mental health conditions, can have periods of remission where symptoms are significantly reduced or disappear. However, ongoing management is often still necessary.

Spontaneous remission is a rare medical phenomenon where a disease improves or disappears unexpectedly without medical treatment, or with treatment that is considered inadequate to cause the change. It is most commonly documented in cases of cancer.