Precancerous cells
Precancerous cells are abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. They are also known as premalignant cells. These cells are not yet cancerous, but they have the potential to become cancerous if not treated or monitored properly.
Definition[edit | edit source]
Precancerous cells are cells that have undergone some, but not all, of the changes necessary to become a cancer cell. These cells appear abnormal when viewed under a microscope, but they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body, as cancer cells do.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of precancerous cells is not known, but they are often associated with certain risk factors. These can include exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke or certain chemicals, chronic inflammation, certain viral infections, and a family history of cancer.
Types[edit | edit source]
There are several types of precancerous conditions, including actinic keratosis, which affects the skin, Barrett's esophagus, which affects the lining of the esophagus, and cervical dysplasia, which affects the cervix.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Precancerous cells are often detected during routine screening tests, such as a Pap smear or a colonoscopy. If precancerous cells are found, further testing may be needed to determine the extent of the condition and the best course of treatment.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment for precancerous cells depends on the type and extent of the condition. Options can include watchful waiting, medication, or surgery to remove the precancerous cells. In some cases, no treatment may be needed, but regular monitoring is usually recommended.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventing precancerous cells involves reducing exposure to known risk factors. This can include quitting smoking, protecting the skin from the sun, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting vaccinated against certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV).
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
