Precancerous

Precancerous refers to a condition or lesion that has the potential to develop into cancer. It is not cancerous itself, but if left untreated, it may become cancerous over time. Precancerous conditions can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, cervix, mouth, stomach, and colon.

Definition

The term "precancerous" is used to describe certain changes in cells and tissues that are not normal and could potentially lead to cancer. These changes are usually caused by damage to the DNA of the cells, which can be caused by various factors such as smoking, sun exposure, or certain viruses.

Types of Precancerous Conditions

There are several types of precancerous conditions, including:

• Actinic keratosis: This is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It's most commonly found on the face, lips, ears, back of the hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
• Dysplasia: This is an abnormal type of growth that can occur in many parts of the body, such as the cervix, colon, or esophagus. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it can sometimes develop into cancer.
• Leukoplakia: This condition causes white patches to form on the inside of the mouth or on the tongue. It can be caused by smoking or other irritants.

Diagnosis

Precancerous conditions are often diagnosed through routine screenings, such as Pap tests for cervical dysplasia or colonoscopy for colon polyps. If a precancerous condition is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to examine the cells more closely.

Treatment

The treatment for a precancerous condition depends on the type of condition and its location in the body. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. The goal of treatment is to remove or destroy the precancerous cells to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

Prevention

Preventing precancerous conditions involves reducing exposure to risk factors. This may include quitting smoking, protecting the skin from sun exposure, and getting vaccinated against viruses that can cause cancer, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

See Also

• Cancer
• Carcinogenesis
• Oncology

Precancerous Resources
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