precancerous
adjective
pre·can·cer·ous
(ˌ)prē-ˈkan(t)s-rəs 
-ˈkan(t)-sə-
: tending to become cancerous
a precancerous lesion
Examples of precancerous in a Sentence
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But an abnormal Pap—which happens when some cells in your cervix look different from normal ones—could signal precancerous cell changes (that are otherwise asymptomatic) or even early-stage cancer.
—
Julia Sullivan, SELF, 4 Feb. 2026
One patient’s colonoscopy uncovers three polyps, including one large enough to concern doctors, demonstrating why early screening can catch precancerous growths.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
In a study of more than 29,000 female nurses published this month, researchers reported that those who consumed the most ultraprocessed foods were 45% more likely to develop a certain type of precancerous colorectal polyp than those who consumed the least.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
For this precancerous, very early-stage breast condition, careful monitoring may be more prudent than immediate surgery, research shows.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
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Julia Sullivan, SELF, 4 Feb. 2026
One patient’s colonoscopy uncovers three polyps, including one large enough to concern doctors, demonstrating why early screening can catch precancerous growths.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
In a study of more than 29,000 female nurses published this month, researchers reported that those who consumed the most ultraprocessed foods were 45% more likely to develop a certain type of precancerous colorectal polyp than those who consumed the least.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
For this precancerous, very early-stage breast condition, careful monitoring may be more prudent than immediate surgery, research shows.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precancerous
Cite this Entry
“Precancerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precancerous. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
precancerous
adjective
pre·can·cer·ous
-ˈkan(t)s-(ə-)rəs
: tending to become cancerous : premalignant
a precancerous lesion
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