A precancer, by definition, is a condition or a series of symptoms which if left untreated have a high possibility of producing malignancy or in other words, cancer. The good news is that with prompt and effective medical care, these conditions can be cured and Cancer can be nipped in the bud.
Skin cancer is the most widespread cancer in the world. Skin when exposed to sun without adequate protection, can cause lesions or patches of discolored skin which can later develop into hardened moles or warts. This may be a sign of Actinic Keratosis, a pre cancerous condition of the skin. It is mostly seen in fair skin people, with light blond or red hair, who have a tendency to get sunburn. The cumulative damage done by the ultraviolet rays of sun increases the chances of getting this condition. It is therefore exhibited more in patients who have attained middle age or more (40 and above).
Single and localized areas can be affected, while it can also occur as multiple lesions or patches over sun-exposed skin area. Any skin abnormality should be taken seriously and be checked out by a medical practitioner. Out of all patients exhibiting symptoms about 10-20% can progress to skin cancer or squamous cell carcinoma. If the presence of Actinic Keratosis is established, the course of treatment should be stringently followed and completed.
Medicinal and surgical therapies are available for the treatment of Actinic Keratosis. Creams like Imiquimod and 5-Flourouracil are prescribed for the treatment. They can take anywhere between a week and 4 months to eradicate the symptoms. They act on the affected area and cause the skin to peel off in scales. This involves an inflammatory phase, where skin often becomes red, which might bring in its wake some pain or skin irritation. But in most cases, the skin assumes normal texture and color. Anti inflammatory drugs like Solaraze gel may also be prescribed which have lesser of an inflammatory phase and unlikely to cause much pain or discomfort.
Surgical removal of hardened surface moles or warts is also recommended. Cauterization and freezing or Cryotherapy treatmens are often found effective. In recent times laser treatment is also gained momentum in treating this condition. Conventional surgical procedures may also be used and cosmetic reconstruction may follow up to heal skin and bring back its original texture and color.
Preventive measures like using a suitable sun-block all year round and avoiding over-exposure of skin are simple steps that can be taken to avoid this disease.
Another type of a Precancer is Cervical Dysplasia, where the squamus cells on the lining of the cervix are prone to abnormal growth. While most of these remain unchanging and are often eradicated by a women’s own immune system, a fractional percentage can develop into cervical cancer (cervical squamous cell carcinoma). If caught early, this condition is definitely treatable.
This condition can affect women anytime in their lifespan, but is mostly seen in sexually active women between 25 to 35 years of age. Women who have multiple sexual partners who in urn have had multiple partners themselves are at high risk. So are women who smoke. It is also established that women who are immuno-compromised because of any illness or surgery become more susceptible to HPV infection, leading to Cervical Dysplasia.
Signs and symptoms of this condition, however, cannot be easily seen early on. They can only be detected through a Papanicolaou or Pap smear test. The changes are first seen in the lining of the cervix and a pap smear can establish that. Once established, a colposcopy of the cervix is conducted and the cervix is examined for Cervical Dysplasia. A biopsy may also be conducted, under local anesthesia, where part of the cervix is cut off and the cells screened for cancer.
The main cause of this condition is human papilloma virus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually. When HPV infections occur chronically it increases the chances of cervical dysplasia or lead to carcinoma. Some HPV can also cause warts on the genital region.
Cervical dysplasia is usually categorized in 3 grades - the first falling in the least-risk category whilst the latter two usually more serious. First grade dysplasia is seen only in about 1/3 or less of the epithelium. These growths or lesions clear up on their own in a year or two. The second grade refers to the condition when dysplasia is seen to penetrate 2/3 of the epithelium and by third grade it penetrates to more than 2/3rd.
Surgical treatment of dysplasia has become straightforward over the years. Surface cells are destroyed or removed by electric cauterization, cryotherapy or freezing or laser cauterization. Preventive vaccines have also been developed to minimize the occurrence of dysplasia. Further preventive measures are
Similar pre-cancers are the small lesions or warts on the breast which may lead to breast cancer. Skin lesions in the mouth can also spell the onset of mouth cancer. The lining of the esophagus can also develop abnormalities as a result of prolonged acid reflux and cause cancer of the esophagus.
All Precancers are a warning of a very serious disease, whose cure still baffles the world’s greatest doctors and bio-scientists. The silver lining is that they are all curable, if detected early on. A healthy lifestyle and regular medical check up can ensure that Precancers are found early and cured before they can do any damage.