ANTI-CANCER
Finding The Hope
Tissue Changes = Cancer?
Not all tissue changes are indicative of cancer, but some may develop into cancer if left untreated. Monitoring and treating these changes is critical in preventing the development of cancer. Here are some examples of tissue changes that are not cancerous but may be monitored due to their potential to become cancer:
Hyperplasia is a condition in which cells within a tissue multiply at a faster rate than normal, leading to the buildup of extra cells. Although the tissue still looks normal under a microscope, hyperplasia can be caused by several factors or conditions, including chronic irritation. For example, a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that chronic inflammation of the prostate gland was associated with an increased risk of developing hyperplasia.
Dysplasia is a more advanced condition than hyperplasia, characterized by the buildup of extra cells that look abnormal, with changes in how the tissue is organized. In general, the more abnormal the cells and tissue look, the greater the chance that cancer will form. For instance, a study published in the journal Cancer Research analyzed the genetic and epigenetic alterations in dysplastic lesions of the esophagus and found that these lesions were highly similar to esophageal adenocarcinoma, suggesting that dysplasia may be a precursor to this type of cancer.
Carcinoma in situ is an even more advanced condition than dysplasia, in which abnormal cells are present but have not yet invaded nearby tissue the way that cancer cells do. Although it is sometimes referred to as stage 0 cancer, carcinoma in situ is not cancer. However, some carcinomas in situ have the potential to become cancer and are therefore usually treated. For example, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast had a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer compared to women without carcinoma in situ.
Tissue changes such as hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ may not be cancerous, but they have the potential to develop into cancer if not monitored or treated. The degree of abnormality in cells and tissue is a crucial factor in determining the likelihood of cancer development. Further research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these tissue changes and to develop more effective strategies for preventing the development of cancer.
Hyperplasia, Dysplasia, Carcinoma
Hyperplasia:
- A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that chronic inflammation of the prostate gland was associated with an increased risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia. The study suggested that chronic inflammation may play a role in the development of hyperplasia.
- Another study published in the journal European Urology Focus reported that obesity was a risk factor for the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The study found that higher body mass index was associated with an increased risk of developing hyperplasia.
Dysplasia:
- A study published in the journal Cancer Research analyzed the genetic and epigenetic alterations in dysplastic lesions of the esophagus and found that these lesions were highly similar to esophageal adenocarcinoma, indicating that dysplasia may be a precursor to this type of cancer.
- Another study published in the journal Gut reported that patients with inflammatory bowel disease were at increased risk of developing dysplasia and colorectal cancer. The study suggested that inflammation may play a role in the development of dysplasia and cancer in these patients.
Carcinoma in situ:
- A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women with ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast had a higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer compared to women without carcinoma in situ. The study suggested that carcinoma in situ may be a precursor to invasive breast cancer.
- Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (a type of carcinoma in situ) on biopsy had an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The study suggested that high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia may be a precursor to prostate cancer.