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
Recent Examples on the Web
That includes detecting some precancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and may develop into cancer.
—
Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 20 Nov. 2025
Routine screening test starting at age 45 can find precancerous polyps that may be removed before turning into cancer.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2025
Meat that's been smoked, grilled, charcoaled, or preserved with salt may lead to gene mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Obesity increases body-wide inflammation, which can set the stage for precancerous changes.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precancerous
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Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 20 Nov. 2025
Routine screening test starting at age 45 can find precancerous polyps that may be removed before turning into cancer.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2025
Meat that's been smoked, grilled, charcoaled, or preserved with salt may lead to gene mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Obesity increases body-wide inflammation, which can set the stage for precancerous changes.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precancerous
Cite this Entry
“Precancerous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precancerous. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.
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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