A change in color, size, or shape in a skin blemish (such as a mole) or other abnormal growth anywhere on the body that may develop into cancer if left untreated.
Referring to a growth which is not malignant now, but which can become cancerous later.
To a growth that is not malignant but probably will become so if left untreated.
Benign tissue that has potential to become malignant.
The term used to describe a condition that could become cancerous if left untreated. This term is used whether or not the condition eventually becomes cancerous.
Describing a growth that is not yet malignant but that is known to become so if left untreated. Leukoplakia of the vulva is known to be a precancerous condition.
Pertaining to a growth that is not yet, but probably will become, cancerous.
Precancerous cells exhibit potentially cancerous changes such as abnormal growth.
Describing a condition as abnormal and having a significant likelihood of progressing into cancer, but not yet being classified as cancerous.
This term is used to describe any situation in which there exists a predisposition for the development of cancer. These circumstances are marked by unusual alterations in cells; sometimes, the affected regions might need to be surgically removed to avert the onset of cancer.
Illustrations of precancerous conditions encompass cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, which constitutes the initial stage preceding invasive cervical cancer (refer to cervix, cancer of); leukoplakia observed in the mouth, vulva, or penis, with the potential to evolve into squamous cell carcinoma; and familial adenomatous polyposis, characterized by the formation of numerous polyps within the intestines, which also holds the potential to transition into cancerous growths.
Several other conditions bear the potential for cancerous transformations, yet such alterations are comparatively less certain compared to precancerous conditions. While vigilance and observation may be necessary for these disorders, treatment is not always imperative. Instances include ulcerative colitis, a condition marked by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum’s lining, which heightens the risk of tumors in these areas. Another example is atrophic gastritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.
A condition that has the potential to progress into cancer. This is also known as premalignant.