Precancerous condition

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Precancerous condition
Other namesPremalignant condition, precancer, premalignancy, dysplasia, intraepithelial neoplasm, carcinoma in situ
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.jpg
Micrograph of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, a precancerous condition of the uterine cervix. Pap stain.
Specialty Oncology

A precancerous condition is a condition, tumor or lesion involving abnormal cells which are associated with an increased risk of developing into cancer. [1] [2] [3] Clinically, precancerous conditions encompass a variety of abnormal tissues with an increased risk of developing into cancer. Some of the most common precancerous conditions include certain colon polyps, which can progress into colon cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, which can progress into multiple myeloma or myelodysplastic syndrome. [4] and cervical dysplasia, which can progress into cervical cancer. [5] Bronchial premalignant lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. [6]

Contents

Pathologically, precancerous tissue can range from benign neoplasias, which are tumors which don't invade neighboring normal tissues or spread to distant organs, to dysplasia, [1] a collection of highly abnormal cells which, in some cases, has an increased risk of progressing to anaplasia and invasive cancer which is life-threatening. Sometimes, the term "precancer" is also used for carcinoma in situ, which is a noninvasive cancer that has not grown and spread to nearby tissue, unlike the invasive stage. As with other precancerous conditions, not all carcinoma in situ will become an invasive disease but is at risk of doing so.

Classification

The term precancerous or premalignant condition may refer to certain conditions, such as monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, or to certain lesions, such as colorectal adenoma (colon polyps), which have the potential to progress into cancer (see: Malignant transformation). Premalignant lesions are morphologically atypical tissue which appear abnormal when viewed under the microscope, and which are more likely to progress to cancer than normal tissue. [7] Precancerous conditions and lesions affect a variety of organ systems, including the skin, oral cavity, stomach, colon, lung, and hematological system. Some authorities also refer to hereditary genetic conditions which predispose to developing cancer, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, as a precancerous condition, as individuals with these conditions have a much higher risk of developing cancer in certain organs. [3]

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of precancerous conditions differ based on the organ affected. In many cases, individuals with precancerous conditions do not notice any symptoms. Precancerous conditions of the skin or oral cavity can appear as visible lesions without associated pain or discomfort, [7] while precancerous conditions of the hematological system are typically asymptomatic, and in the case of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, it may only rarely cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet or difficulty with balance [8] (see: peripheral neuropathy).

Causes

In most cases, many risk factors for precancerous conditions and lesions are the same risk factors that determines individuals vulnerable to a specific cancer. For example, individuals with cervical or anal infection with oncogenic, or cancer causing, strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) are at higher risk for cervical and anal cancers, [9] as well as for cervical and anal dysplasia. [9] Similarly, sun or especially UV exposure is an important risk factor for both actinic keratosis which can progress into melanomas [10] as well as skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for premalignant (as well as malignant) lung lesions. Hereditary conditions that are risk factors to cancer can also be risk factors to premalignant lesions. However, in many cases, precancerous conditions or lesions can be sporadic and idiopathic in nature, meaning that they are not associated with a hereditary genetic risk factor to the particular cancer, nor with a direct causative agent or other identifiable cause. [11]

Pathophysiology

Stepwise progression from normal tissue to precancerous lesion to invasive cancer Cancer progression from NIH.png
Stepwise progression from normal tissue to precancerous lesion to invasive cancer

The pathophysiology of precancerous lesions is thought to be similar to that of cancer, and also varies depending on the disease site and type of lesion. [12] It is thought that cancer is always preceded by a clinically silent premalignant phase during which many oncogenic genetic and epigenetic alterations accumulate before it is truly malignant. The duration of this premalignant phase can vary from cancer to cancer, disease site to site and from individual to individual. [11] Increasing evidence suggests that the evasion of the immune system occurs in premalignant lesions, [13] and that the nature of the first immune response to these lesions may determine if they progress to cancer or regress to normal tissue. [14] [15]

Examples

Skin

Breast

Head and neck/oral

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Gynecological

Urological

Hematological

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multiple myeloma</span> Cancer of plasma cells

Multiple myeloma (MM), also known as plasma cell myeloma and simply myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that normally produces antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. As it progresses, bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction, and infections may occur. Complications may include hypercalcemia and amyloidosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma</span> Medical condition

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), also known as squamous-cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous-cell skin cancer, is one of the three principal types of skin cancer, alongside basal-cell carcinoma and melanoma. cSCC typically presents as a hard lump with a scaly surface, though it may also present as an ulcer. Onset and development often occurs over several months. Compared to basal cell carcinoma, cSCC is more likely to spread to distant areas. When confined to the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, the pre-invasive or in situ form of cSCC is termed Bowen's disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anal cancer</span> Medical condition

Anal cancer is a cancer which arises from the anus, the distal opening of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include bleeding from the anus or a lump near the anus. Other symptoms may include pain, itchiness, or discharge from the anus. A change in bowel movements may also occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leukoplakia</span> Medical condition

Oral leukoplakia is a potentially malignant disorder affecting the oral mucosa. It is defined as "essentially an oral mucosal white lesion that cannot be considered as any other definable lesion." Oral leukoplakia is a white patch or plaque that develops in the oral cavity and is strongly associated with smoking. Leukoplakia is a firmly attached white patch on a mucous membrane which is associated with increased risk of cancer. The edges of the lesion are typically abrupt and the lesion changes with time. Advanced forms may develop red patches. There are generally no other symptoms. It usually occurs within the mouth, although sometimes mucosa in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or genitals may be affected.

Carcinoma <i>in situ</i> Pre-cancerous abnormal growth of tissue

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a group of abnormal cells. While they are a form of neoplasm, there is disagreement over whether CIS should be classified as cancer. This controversy also depends on the exact CIS in question. Some authors do not classify them as cancer, however, recognizing that they can potentially become cancer. Others classify certain types as a non-invasive form of cancer. The term "pre-cancer" has also been used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Actinic keratosis</span> Skin disorder

Actinic keratosis (AK), sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a pre-cancerous area of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. Actinic keratosis is a disorder of epidermal keratinocytes that is induced by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. These growths are more common in fair-skinned people and those who are frequently in the sun. They are believed to form when skin gets damaged by UV radiation from the sun or indoor tanning beds, usually over the course of decades. Given their pre-cancerous nature, if left untreated, they may turn into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Untreated lesions have up to a 20% risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, so treatment by a dermatologist is recommended.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erythroplakia</span> Medical condition

Erythroplakia is a clinical term to describe any erythematous (red) area on a mucous membrane, that cannot be attributed to any other pathology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance</span> Medical condition

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a plasma cell dyscrasia in which plasma cells or other types of antibody-producing cells secrete a myeloma protein, i.e. an abnormal antibody, into the blood; this abnormal protein is usually found during standard laboratory blood or urine tests. MGUS resembles multiple myeloma and similar diseases, but the levels of antibodies are lower, the number of plasma cells in the bone marrow is lower, and it rarely has symptoms or major problems. However, since MGUS can lead to multiple myeloma, which develops at the rate of about 1.5% a year, or other symptomatic conditions, yearly monitoring is recommended.

Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion, including the esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The symptoms relate to the organ affected and can include obstruction, abnormal bleeding or other associated problems. The diagnosis often requires endoscopy, followed by biopsy of suspicious tissue. The treatment depends on the location of the tumor, as well as the type of cancer cell and whether it has invaded other tissues or spread elsewhere. These factors also determine the prognosis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia</span> Medical condition

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. More specifically, CIN refers to the potentially precancerous transformation of cells of the cervix.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koilocyte</span>

A koilocyte is a squamous epithelial cell that has undergone a number of structural changes, which occur as a result of infection of the cell by human papillomavirus (HPV). Identification of these cells by pathologists can be useful in diagnosing various HPV-associated lesions.

Stomatitis nicotina is a diffuse white patch on the hard palate, usually caused by tobacco smoking, usually pipe or cigar smoking. It is painless, and it is caused by a response of the palatal oral mucosa to chronic heat. A more pronounced appearance can occur with reverse smoking, sometimes distinguished from stomatitis nicotina by the term reverse smoker's stomatitis. While stomatitis nicotina that is caused by heat is not a premalignant condition, the condition that is caused by reverse smoking is premalignant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia</span>

Endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) is a premalignant lesion of the uterine lining that predisposes to endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. It is composed of a collection of abnormal endometrial cells, arising from the glands that line the uterus, which have a tendency over time to progress to the most common form of uterine cancer—endometrial adenocarcinoma, endometrioid type.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Actinic cheilitis</span> Medical condition

Actinic cheilitis is cheilitis caused by long term sunlight exposure. Essentially it is a burn, and a variant of actinic keratosis which occurs on the lip. It is a premalignant condition, as it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

The Bethesda system (TBS), officially called The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, is a system for reporting cervical or vaginal cytologic diagnoses, used for reporting Pap smear results. It was introduced in 1988 and revised in 1991, 2001, and 2014. The name comes from the location of the conference, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, that established the system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arsenical keratosis</span> Medical condition

An arsenical keratosis is a growth of keratin on the skin caused by arsenic, which occurs naturally in the Earth's crust and is widely distributed in the environment, Arsenical compounds are used in industrial, agricultural, and medicinal substances. Arsenic is also found to be an environmental contaminant in drinking water and an occupational hazard for miners and glass workers. Arsenic may also causes other conditions including: Bowen's disease, cardiovascular diseases, developmental abnormalities, neurologic and neurobehavioral disorders, diabetes, hearing loss, hematologic disorders, and various types of cancer. Arsenical keratoses may persist indefinitely, and some may develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Metastatic arsenic squamous cell carcinoma and arsenic-induced malignancies in internal organs such as the bladder, kidney, skin, liver, and colon, may result in death.

Epithelial dysplasia, a term becoming increasingly referred to as intraepithelial neoplasia, is the sum of various disturbances of epithelial proliferation and differentiation as seen microscopically. Individual cellular features of dysplasia are called epithelial atypia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Field cancerization</span> Biological process

Field cancerization or field effect is a biological process in which large areas of cells at a tissue surface or within an organ are affected by carcinogenic alterations. The process arises from exposure to an injurious environment, often over a lengthy period.

Conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia comprise ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). SCC is the most common malignancy of the conjunctiva in the US, with a yearly incidence of 1–2.8 per 100,000. Risk factors for the disease are exposure to sun, exposure to UVB, and light-colored skin. Other risk factors include radiation, smoking, HPV, arsenic, and exposure to polycyclic hydrocarbons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squamous-cell carcinoma</span> Carcinoma that derives from squamous epithelial cells

Squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as epidermoid carcinoma, comprises a number of different types of cancer that begin in squamous cells. These cells form on the surface of the skin, on the lining of hollow organs in the body, and on the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

References

  1. 1 2 "NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms". National Cancer Institute. 2011-02-02. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  2. ↑ "Precancerous conditions of the colon or rectum". Canadian cancer society. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  3. 1 2 "Precancerous conditions of the esophagus". Canadian cancer society. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  4. ↑ Korde N, Kristinsson SY, Landgren O (May 2011). "Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): novel biological insights and development of early treatment strategies". Blood. 117 (21): 5573–5581. doi:10.1182/blood-2011-01-270140. PMC   3316455 . PMID   21441462.
  5. ↑ "Precancerous conditions of the cervix". Canadian cancer society. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  6. ↑ Beane J, Mazzilli SA, Tassinari AM, Liu G, Zhang X, Liu H, et al. (September 2017). "Detecting the Presence and Progression of Premalignant Lung Lesions via Airway Gene Expression". Clinical Cancer Research. 23 (17): 5091–5100. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-16-2540. PMC   7404813 . PMID   28533227.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 Yardimci G, Kutlubay Z, Engin B, Tuzun Y (December 2014). "Precancerous lesions of oral mucosa". World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2 (12): 866–872. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.866 . PMC   4266835 . PMID   25516862.
  8. ↑ "MGUS - MGUS Multiple Myeloma - MGUS Myeloma -Monoclonal Gammopathy". Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Archived from the original on 2017-07-10. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  9. 1 2 Roberts JR, Siekas LL, Kaz AM (February 2017). "Anal intraepithelial neoplasia: A review of diagnosis and management". World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. 9 (2): 50–61. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v9.i2.50 . PMC   5314201 . PMID   28255426.
  10. ↑ "Actinic keratosis - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  11. 1 2 Willimsky G, Czéh M, Loddenkemper C, Gellermann J, Schmidt K, Wust P, et al. (July 2008). "Immunogenicity of premalignant lesions is the primary cause of general cytotoxic T lymphocyte unresponsiveness". The Journal of Experimental Medicine. 205 (7): 1687–1700. doi:10.1084/jem.20072016. PMC   2442645 . PMID   18573907.
  12. ↑ Hyndman IJ (April 2016). "Review: the Contribution of both Nature and Nurture to Carcinogenesis and Progression in Solid Tumours". Cancer Microenvironment. 9 (1): 63–69. doi:10.1007/s12307-016-0183-4. PMC   4842185 . PMID   27066794.
  13. ↑ Mascaux C, Angelova M, Vasaturo A, Beane J, Hijazi K, Anthoine G, et al. (July 2019). "Immune evasion before tumour invasion in early lung squamous carcinogenesis" (PDF). Nature. 571 (7766): 570–575. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1330-0. PMID   31243362. S2CID   195657244.
  14. ↑ Maoz A, Merenstein C, Koga Y, Potter A, Gower AC, Liu G, et al. (September 2021). "Elevated T cell repertoire diversity is associated with progression of lung squamous cell premalignant lesions". Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer. 9 (9): e002647. doi:10.1136/jitc-2021-002647. PMC   8477334 . PMID   34580161.
  15. ↑ Beane JE, Mazzilli SA, Campbell JD, Duclos G, Krysan K, Moy C, et al. (April 2019). "Molecular subtyping reveals immune alterations associated with progression of bronchial premalignant lesions". Nature Communications. 10 (1): 1856. Bibcode:2019NatCo..10.1856B. doi:10.1038/s41467-019-09834-2. PMC   6478943 . PMID   31015447.
  16. ↑ "Actinic Keratosis". skincancer.org. Retrieved 2018-03-19.
  17. ↑ Neville BW, Day TA (July 2002). "Oral cancer and precancerous lesions". CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 52 (4): 195–215. doi: 10.3322/canjclin.52.4.195 . PMID   12139232. S2CID   3238352.
  18. ↑ "What Is Vaginal Cancer?". www.cancer.org. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  19. 1 2 Arya M, Kalsi J, Kelly J, Muneer A (March 2013). "Malignant and premalignant lesions of the penis". BMJ. 346: f1149. doi:10.1136/bmj.f1149. PMID   23468288. S2CID   33771829.
  20. ↑ "Bladder Cancer Staging | Bladder Cancer Stages". www.cancer.org. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
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