Precancerous Cells

I'd like to apologise in advance for how ignorant I sound on this matter, it's just that so, I've been lucky enough never to experience anything regarding cancer.

My friend has been diagnosed as having precancerous cells within her lymphatic system. Her sister died of this form of cancer when she was little- I think she was only about three. She was very matter-of-fact about the way she mentioned it; we were in a noisy bar last night. We just seemed to get on with the night, I couldn't mention it. She's currently having tests as they suspect there may be cancerous growths in her spine, but aren't sure yet. Apparently, the scan was 'shadowed' but it could mean anythig. It's just somewhat coincidental that this is in addition to the precancerous cells.

What i'm wondering is this...

What are 'pre-cancerous cells' and how serious are they? She mentioned something about treatment. What kind of treatment is one likely to receive for cells wich are 'precancerous'?

Really worried, I'd just like to educate myself a little before discussing it with her. Se's away at the mo, but back on Sunday. Scanned the internet, but cant find anything specific.

The slightest piece of information would be very much appreciated. x

Reply 1

Golden Maverick

Anonymous

I'd like to apologise in advance for how ignorant I sound on this matter, it's just that so, I've been lucky enough never to experience anything regarding cancer.
..
The slightest piece of information would be very much appreciated. x

Precancerous cells are somewhere between normal cells and tumour cells. There are several steps a cell has to go through to become a tumour cell, and commonly this is accompanied by a loss of differentiation - the cells no longer look normal under a microscope as they lose some normal structure. This is probably what they are talking about.

It is similar to a cervical smear, as by looking at the cervical cells you can tell if they are on their way to forming a tumour.

You probably know the lymphatic system (lymph nodes) is where many white blood cells stay, the lymphocytes. I presume you mean her sister died of leukaemia then, which there are treatments for.

I'm not sure about the treatment for this kind of thing, need to wait for a medic who's a bit further along (who'll probably say all this is wrong anyway).

I wouldn't worry about what it might be until she finds out more, you'll just end up getting both yourself and her wound up about it. :smile:

Hope that helps a little, as I say just wait until you know more.

Reply 2

The slightest piece of information would be very much appreciated. x

Just thought I'd push the thread up a little...

Reply 3

kimberley1987

Anonymous

The slightest piece of information would be very much appreciated. x

Just thought I'd push the thread up a little...

Well then she's probably got cancer, i'd hazard a guess hat the precancerous bit is irrelevant. Hardly rocket science, love. But there is treatmentfor this kind of thing, we arent living in the dark ages anymore.