Precancers and Precancerous Cells

Overview

Precancerous cells, also called premalignant cells, are abnormal cells whose look or growth has changed. They are not cancer, but their changes raise the chance that they turn into cancer over time. A precancer is a group, mass or clump of these cells. It may also be called a precancerous or premalignant lesion or condition.

Types of Precancerous Cells

A precancer is usually named for where it is in the body and for the kind of cell change it has. Two common kinds are dysplasia and hyperplasia.

Dysplasia

In dysplasia, cells grow abnormally and their structure has changed, but they are not yet cancer. Dysplasia can be mild or severe, depending on how abnormal the cells are. It is common in:

• The cervix, the lower part of the uterus (cervical dysplasia, also called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN)
• The colon or rectum (adenomatous polyps)
• The mouth (leukoplakia and erythroplakia)
• The skin (actinic keratosis, Bowen disease and keratoacanthoma)

Hyperplasia

In hyperplasia, a tissue has more cells than usual, but the cells look normal and are not cancer. Common types are breast hyperplasia, prostate hyperplasia and endometrial (uterine) hyperplasia.

Is a Polyp a Precancer?

A polyp is an abnormal growth or bump in certain tissues. Not every polyp is a precancer — some are harmless. Others contain precancerous cells such as dysplasia, or can turn into cancer if they are not removed. Common polyps grow in the colon and rectum, the stomach and the nose.

How Serious Are Precancers?

Precancerous cells are not cancer and cannot spread to other parts of the body the way cancer cells do. They are still serious, because they can become cancer if they are not treated or removed.

How Long Until a Precancer Becomes Cancer?

That depends on the kind of cell and its features, and it can take many years. Finding and treating a precancer early can stop cancer from developing. Regular checkups and recommended screening tests — such as cervical and colorectal cancer screening — find precancers early so they can be removed or treated.

Does a Precancer Need to Be Removed?

Not every precancer becomes cancer, but each one is a warning sign. Ideally, a precancer is removed when it is found or soon after. If it is not removed, it needs regular tests and monitoring. Depending on the cells, a medicine put on the skin (topical medicine), freezing (cryotherapy) or laser therapy may be used instead of surgery.

Can a Precancer Come Back?

Yes. A precancer can return if the cells were not all removed, if risk factors such as smoking, inflammation or infection continue, or if the treatment did not work. Regular checkups and follow-up tests after a precancer find new changes early, while they can still be treated before they become cancer.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• What kind of precancer do I have, and is the dysplasia mild or severe?
• How likely is it that this precancer turns into cancer, and over what length of time?
• Should this be removed now, or can it be watched, and what treatment do you recommend?
• How often do I need follow-up tests after treatment?
• What can I change, such as smoking, to lower the chance that this comes back?

Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer/precancer.html