Identifying Pre Cancerous Lesions the Way Forward in Cancer Prevention

Abstract

Premalignant (precancerous) lesions are morphologically abnormal tissue which appears atypical under microscopic examination. These lesions are not overtly malignant, but have an increased risk of transforming into a cancer than its apparently normal counterpart. Precancerous lesions can be found almost anywhere in the body and that early detection is one of the most important aspects of curing cancer. Most precancerous lesi ons are detected in people over 40 years of age. It is difficult to predict which pr ecancerouslesions will transform and how long it will take. Some of the well recognized precancerous lesions include cer vical intraepithelial neoplasia, adenomatous polyps of the colon, oral leukoplakia, insitu carcinoma of breast, Barr ett’s disease, chronic atrophic gastritis, ulcerative colitis, actinic keratosis. The risk factors of precancerous lesions are same as for its cancerous counterpart. Precan cerous cells have a rapid, uncordinated growth and precede the development of i nvasive cancer. Precancerous lesions may be asymptomatic or associated with physical change s. Asymptomatic lesions such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, insitu carcinoma of breast and adenomatous poly ps of the colon are detected by medi cal screening tests such as the pap test, mammogram and colonoscopic proc edures respectively.Symptomatic lesi ons are biopsied when there is a concern about cancer. Treatment can range from simply watching the patient closely, having minor surgery, starting a medication that helps prevent growth, or possibly a major surgery. In some cases, it may even be a sign that family members need to be checked or followed as well. When a patient has precancerous cells, they are an indicato r that the patient should be monitored carefully in the future. Consistent screening and monitoring will help a doctor identify cancer early, if it shows up, allowing for prompt provision of treatment. Precancero us lesions can also indicate the need for prophylactic treatment to prevent the appearance of cancer.