Can anyone please explain

how you can have a recurrence when there was no spread of the cancer.  My husband was first diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in July 2010.  He underwent 35 radiation and 3 chemo treatments for a large tumor with no spread.  Then in February 2011 we found out it was back, but according to the specialist we saw, it never went anywhere that the radiation and swelling hid the tumor when a PET/CT scan was done earlier.  He then had surgery in March 2011 and everything was going good.  Then in April 2012 he decided to have a TEP inserted but they found a tumor at the cervical of the esophagus (no spread) which we were told inoperable due to several factors.  He underwent another 35 radiation and 7 chemo and in a PET/CT scan in September and when the specialist dilated his throat and looked all the way down into his stomach and everything was clear.  Then in December he saw the oncologist/radiation doctor and she looked down his throat and said everything looked good.  Now last week he had a PET/CT scan and yesterday the specialist's PA called and said that the doctor needed to see him to go over the results and that there was a recurrence in basically the same spot. 

Needless to say we are upset and scared.  He just turned 76 and up until July of 2010 his health was very good.  Yes he was a beer drinker and smoked a pipe which I begged him to stopped.  I have read everyone stories and it is really sad what is going on.  The only difference from many of you, you are younger, have small children, some just starting out, while we have been married for 50 years and our children are grown with families of their own. 

While we don't know yet what the next course of treatment will be or the outcome, I only know I don't want him to suffer anymore than he has since July 2010.  He has been a good husband, good provider and even took care of my mother during her last two years of life, while I was still working and did a great job.

Sharon