Pre-cancerous and genetic conditions

Barrett's oesophagus is a condition that can sometimes develop into cancer of the lower oesophagus.

Bowen’s disease is a skin condition that can sometimes develop into skin cancer if it is not treated.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are 2 genes that everyone has. Changes in a BRCA gene can cause a higher risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Breast calcifications are small spots (deposits) of calcium in the breast. They are usually harmless.

FAP is a rare condition that can run in families. If not treated, FAP causes a high risk of bowel cancer.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is not a cancer. But it can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a condition that can run in families. It increases the risk of developing some cancers.

MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) is a non-cancerous condition where the body makes an abnormal protein.

MEN1 is an inherited condition that can run in families. It can cause tumours in different parts of the body. The tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign).

MEN2 is a rare, inherited condition that can run in families. It causes tumours in endocrine (hormone-making) glands. These can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is a term that describes abnormal changes of the cells that line the vagina. VAIN is not cancer, but over time it can sometimes develop into cancer.

Vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN) describes abnormal changes of the cells that cover the vulva. VIN is not cancer, but it may develop into cancer after many years.