Atypical cells: Are they cancer?

Do atypical cells usually mean cancer?

- Jim / Maryland

Answer

Atypical cells are cells that look abnormal but are not cancer. Cells can appear abnormal for many different reasons. Most of the time, atypical cells are due to inflammation, infection or other reactive changes — meaning your body's normal response to something. Atypical cells may revert back to normal on their own, or they may require a specific treatment in order for this to occur. Occasionally they continue to change and slowly become cancer. When atypical cells are found, close follow-up is necessary to make sure cancer does not develop.

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