Abnormal cellular changes that are potentially capable of becoming cancer. These early lesions are very amenable to treatment and cure. Also called pre-malignant.

Abnormal cellular changes that have the potential to become malignant (cancerous).

Condition of tissue that is defined as the potential preliminary phase of a carcinoma. Depending on the statistical probability of a lesion to change into a malignant stage precancerous lesions are divided in facultative, which means they carry a low degenerating potential or obligate which means they carry a high degenerating potential.

Condition of a tissue, such as a polyp, that can turn into cancer if not treated or removed.

of or relating to a growth that is not malignant but is likely to become so if not treated

A condition that shows cellular changes that indicate it may become cancerous.

a term referring to a condition that may become cancerous or malignant.

(pre-KAN-ser-us): A term used to describe a condition that may or is likely to become cancer. Also called premalignant.

Having the potential to become malignant (cancerous).

Abnormal changes in cells that indicate a higher than normal risk of developing into cancer. ( See also premalignant).

Pertaining to something that is not yet overtly cancerous, but appears to be on its way to becoming a cancer . Synonymous with premalignant. See the entire definition of Precancerous

Not cancerous, but may become cancerous with time.

A word that is sometimes used to describe a condition which, if left untreated, may go on to become cancerous.

Abnormal tissue changes that often are found before cancer develops.

a growth that may eventually turn malignant and become cancerous.