Question 1

what do pre-cancerous lesions look like?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The visible precancerous lesions of the skin look like a rash that may be moist, it is called Bowen's disease..  Most precancerous lesions are not visible and affect internal organs, e.g., uterine cervix, colon, breast, lung etc. For skin lesions you may visit this site for additional info:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowens-disease/

Question 2

what does a precancerous cell look like, on your skin?

Accepted Answer

Cells are...: ...Microscopic; they are not visible with the naked eye. Under a microscope, various characteristics suggest a precancerous condition. A bunch of those cells gathered together can be visible to the naked eye as a precancerous tumor -- but it takes years of experience to identify them reliably.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: precancerous?

Accepted Answer

See below: A precancerous condition (or premalignant condition) is a generalized state associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer. If left untreated, these conditions may lead to cancer.
 
Premalignant lesion is a morphologically altered tissue in which cancer is more likely to occur than its apparently normal counterpart.

Question 4

what is a precancerous condition diagnosable?

Accepted Answer

Several: If i understand the question correctly, colon polyps and ductal carcinoma in situ (dcis) of the breast are 2 examples of pre-cancerous lesions. If not caught early, these can develop into cancers.

Question 5

can precancerous skin lesions be scratched off?

Accepted Answer

Skin lesions: Any questionable skin lesions should be seen in person by a specialist. If a lesion has been diagnosed as 
pre-cancerous I would not recommend scraping it off.  Having an initial biopsy performed is essential.  A likely follow-up of the complete lesion with clean margins would then need to be performed. It's important to always protect your skin and avoiding prolonged direct sun exposure. Be safe!

Question 6

what does it mean for a polyp to be "pre-cancerous"?

Accepted Answer

Confusing: Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas. Thus if your polyp has adenomatous compeonents found microscopically by the pathologist, then it would be considered a precancerous polyp or if iot showed microscopic evidence of dysplasia it too would be considered precancerous.

Question 7

can precancerous cell turn normal with out treatment?

Accepted Answer

Healing: Some pre-cancer changes may revert spontaneously to normal. For example, in the cervix, most HPV infections, which appear as "precancers" will resolve spontaneously. In other organs we don't know as well the frequency with which this happens. But most cancers require several "hits" for the cell to become fully malignant.

Question 8

must precancerous skin lesions always be asymmetrical?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: precancerous skin lesions (actinic keratoses) come in all shapes and sizes

Question 9

can you tell me, are precancerous cells on cervix serious?

Accepted Answer

Yes: precancerous cells in the cervix represent in situ cells that have not yet invaded the basement membrane to become invasive.  Given time this transformation usually via the HPV virus will take place and one then has "Cancer". Precancerous lesions are treated by cryosurgery or a Cone resection where the involved portion of the cervix is wedged out.  Later colposcopy and Pap should then be normal.

Question 10

just diagnosed with barrett esophagus does it mean i have precancerous?

Accepted Answer

New dx of Barrett's: Barrett's esophagus is not something to play around with! barrett's epithelium occurs as a terminal event in those with chronic gerd. Barrett's patients risks cancer of the esophagus. Poorly treated barrett's can progress by replacing more & more of the esophagus lining, & can become dysplastic. Barrett's warrants surveillance endoscopy, aggressive acid suppression, & maybe ablation &/or surgery.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Precancerous

A member asked:

What do pre-cancerous lesions look like?

A member asked:

What does a precancerous cell look like, on your skin?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: precancerous?

A member asked:

What is a precancerous condition diagnosable?

A member asked:

Can precancerous skin lesions be scratched off?

A member asked:

What does it mean for a polyp to be "pre-cancerous"?

A member asked:

Can precancerous cell turn normal with out treatment?

A member asked:

Must precancerous skin lesions always be asymmetrical?

A member asked:

Can you tell me, are precancerous cells on cervix serious?

A member asked:

Just diagnosed with barrett esophagus does it mean i have precancerous?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?