Chapter 7: Precancerous Conditions

Question 1

True or false: Pre-cancerous conditions usually do not need to be treated.

Answer 1

False; always need to be treated to prevent malignant changes.

Question 2

Small, crusted, scaly patches that develop from keratinocytes on sun-exposed skin; may develop into cancer (BCC or SCC) if untreated.

Answer 2

Actinic keratoses

Question 3

Freckle-like proliferation of
melanocytes in the skin that can develop on sun-exposed
skin, and may transform later into melanoma

Answer 3

Lentigo maligna

Question 4

Thick white patches in the mucous membranes of the mouth due to exposure to tobacco tars from pipe or cigar smoking, or from use of
smokeless tobacco (snuff, chewing tobacco); can
eventually lead to oral squamous cell cancers.

Answer 4

Leukoplakia

Question 5

Inflammatory condition of the
lower esophagus due to gastric acid reflux that
increases the risk for developing esophageal cancer

Answer 5

Barrett esophagus

Question 6

Conditions that predispose one to colon cancer

Answer 6

Adenomatous polyps or ulcerative colitis

Question 7

Infection that may lead to cervical cancer

Answer 7

HPV infection