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A biochemical lesion refers to a structural or biochemical change in an organ or tissue caused by disease or injury. These changes can be evident to the naked eye (anatomic), visible under a microscope (histologic), or detectable only through chemical analysis (biochemical).1

For example, a biochemical lesion in colon cancer patients might be the presence of abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen in their blood.1

Metabolic diseases can arise from defects in biochemical pathways, often due to a missing or underactive enzyme. This disruption, termed an "inborn error of metabolism," can lead to a buildup of toxic substances or a deficiency in essential products, resulting in severe consequences like intellectual disability or organ failure.2

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