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Incipient Stages of Cancer

Incipient cancers can be caused by lesions, benign tumors or precancerous conditions and may go undiagnosed due to how they present. Incipient describes any condition that is precancerous and undergoes histologic changes that increase the probability of becoming a malignant cancer. Most incipient cancers are found in the digestive system, cervix, lung, skin, breast, and endometrium (Fallopian tubes and ovaries.) Once identified, it is important to monitor the progression of the incipient, as early detection and treatment can prevent its progression to cancer.

  1. Stage 0

    • The diagnosis of a precancerous lesion or other set of cells is usually determined following regular screening exams, such as a PAP smear in women or colonoscopy in men. Regular full physical exams that include chest X-rays may also reveal benign tumors or other precancerous environments. Many times, removal of the offending cells can eliminate the precancerous stage, effectively eliminating the risk of it becoming cancerous.

    Stages I to III

    • Stages I through III indicate a growth in the lesion, tumor, or other incipient denoting the incipient has become cancerous. It also indicates a higher number of abnormal cells and may be an indicator that the incipient has spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby organs. Depending on the stage of the now cancerous incipient, treatment is implemented to stop or slow the growth and spreading of the abnormal or cancerous cells as well as to reduce the size and/or intensity of the enlarged incipient. The aggressiveness of the treatment is based on individual needs, cancers, and patient tolerance.

    Stage iV

    • In Stage IV cancer, the malignant incipient has spread to one or more organs in the body aside from the original lesion or tumor. While treatment during stages 0 through III may have appeared to be successful in stopping the spread of abnormal or cancerous cells in the incipient, the spread of these cells may still occur to other organs or reoccur in the original organ or incipient.

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