Carcinoma in situ refers to a condition where cells show cancerous changes under the microscope. However, it has not extended beyond its original location. The term “in situ” means “in its actual location,” indicating that these cells remain confined to the surface of the part where they first appeared.
Although the cells in carcinoma in situ are not yet cancerous or malignant, there is a potential for them to become malignant and spread to surrounding tissues. These cells are sometimes referred to as precancerous, reflecting their potential to develop into invasive cancer if left untreated.
Carcinoma in situ is also known by other names, including stage 0 cancer, preinvasive cancer, and non-invasive cancer.
Symptoms
Non-invasive cancer often does not present noticeable symptoms unless it affects visible areas such as the mouth, skin, or eyes. In these cases, symptoms to watch for include changes in skin texture or color, alterations in the nails, and the presence inside the mouth of white patches. If carcinoma in situ affects the cornea, it may cause persistent burning or irritation.
Sometimes, a mass (lump) may appear elsewhere in the body, like the breast. All tumors or lumps are not cancerous, but a biopsy is necessary to determine if they are malignant.
For non-invasive cancer in less visible areas, laboratory tests and routine screening are crucial for early detection. These tests help identify precancerous conditions before they develop into invasive cancer.
When symptoms like extreme tiredness or anorexia emerge, it usually indicates that the carcinoma may have progressed beyond its in-situ stage and started to spread and grow. Despite this, treatment is often achievable while the carcinoma remains confined to its original area.
Treatment
The treatment depends on several factors, including the place of the precancerous cells, the position and size of any non-cancerous tumors, individual risk factors, the patient’s age, other health conditions, and personal preferences.
Treatment options may vary based on these considerations. Surgical options include procedures such as mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer and preventive hysterectomy for cancer of the cervix. Other treatments might involve:
- Laser Surgery: A technique that uses a laser to remove abnormal cells.
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: A method that uses a thin wire loop heated by electricity to remove abnormal tissue.
- Cold Knife Conization: A surgical procedure that removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix.
- Cryotherapy: A technique that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal cells.
- Skin Patch Excision: Removal of abnormal skin patches.
In some cases, radiation therapy may be recommended to ensure complete removal of the precancerous cells.
A healthcare provider will guide the patient in selecting the most appropriate treatment based on the type of non-invasive cancer and individual circumstances.
Where does it take place?
Non-invasive cancers can develop in various parts of the body, as cancer starts with modifications in some cells. The following are some examples of where it might occur:
The Bladder
Bladder cancer is characterized by finger-shaped, small masses known as Papillary urothelial carcinoma. These growths often last in situ, meaning they don’t extend beyond their original location. However, approximately 10 to 15 percent of these cases may become invasive.
The Cervix
Cervical non-invasive cancers are often detected through regular Pap smear tests, which identify cells of premalignant on the cervix surface layer. Although these cells are yet non-cancerous, they have the potential to become cancerous and spread to other tissues. Therefore, treatment is suggested to remove these cells and decrease the chance of developing cancer at another time.
Breast Cancer
DCIS and LCIS involve modifications in the cells of the breast. While these situations are non-cancerous and noninvasive, they might become invasive over time. DCIS affects the ducts of milk, while LCIS affects the lobes of glands of milk production. Approximately 56,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed with DCIS annually, representing 20 to 25 percent of breast cancer cases. Treatment options include surgery or radiation therapy combined with surgery. If DCIS recurs, it remains noninvasive, although there is a potential for it to become invasive.
Skin
Epidermoid non-invasive cancer indicates modifications in cells of the skin that could potentially become cancerous. These changes typically occur in sun-exposed areas like the ears, face, and neck. Signs to watch for include raised, shiny, smooth, or pearly areas of skin, firm and waxy patches that resemble scars, and scaling or peeling skin. Though this condition is not cancer, precancerous cells could become invasive without intervention. For further information on recognizing skin cancer signs, refer to specialized resources.
The Mouth
Changes in the mouth, such as white patches with a thin or flat appearance, must prompt a visit to the healthcare provider. Particularly concerning are patches that do not vanish when rubbed or those with a color of white mixed with red or irregular surfaces. These changes might affect the tongue, lips, gums, internal side of cheeks, or the mouth top. Although these patches are not cancerous at this stage, they have an increased risk of developing into malignant later. Smokers should consider quitting.
The Eyes
It also affects the eyes, involving the conjunctiva, the mucosa covering the eye front part. Signs may include a sensation of something burning, visible tumors, and redness in the eyes. While this kind of non-invasive cancer rarely extends to distant areas, it can invade nearby tissues if left untreated. Cryotherapy is one possible intervention to remove the affected cells. For more information on eye conditions, seek guidance from eye care professionals.
Summary
Non-invasive cancer is a condition where cells show cancerous changes but haven’t spread. It does not mean a person has cancer yet, but it does increase the risk of developing cancer in the future, prompting doctors to recommend treatment.
Adopting healthy habits like using sun protection and avoiding smoking can help lower this risk. Recognizing changes in the skin, mouth, and other body areas is crucial for early detection. Regular cancer screenings can identify non-invasive cancer early, allowing for treatment before it becomes invasive.
