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Definition of precancerous
: tending to become cancerous a precancerous lesion
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Recent Examples of precancerous from the Web
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In the new study, the researchers focused on precancerous polyps instead of cancer.
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Rieke was getting regular colonoscopies to check for precancerous polyps—a standard procedure for people deemed high-risk for colon cancer.
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And colorectal cancer has declined because improved screening techniques have allowed for the removal of precancerous polyps.
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One is zapping them with liquid nitrogen, handy for targeting small precancerous lesions.
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Less well-known is its ability to minimize precancerous DNA damage to skin cells that have been oxidized (by, say, the application of strong chemicals).
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'precancerous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of precancerous
International Scientific Vocabulary
PRECANCEROUS Defined for English Language Learners
precancerous
play
adjective
Definition of precancerous for English Language Learners
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medical : likely to become cancerous
Medical Dictionary
precancerous
play
adjective
pre·can·cer·ous
\-ˈkan(t)s-(ə-)rəs\
Medical Definition of precancerous
: tending to become cancerous : premalignant a precancerous lesion
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