carcinoma in situ
Quick Summary
Carcinoma in situ refers to a noninvasive stage of cancer where abnormal cells remain in the anatomical site where they originated. This means the carcinoma has not spread beyond its original confines and has not penetrated the basement membrane, which separates the lining from other tissue layers. Tumors at this stage lack their own blood vessels and have not yet sent cells into the circulatory system to form new tumors. This is the earliest stage where cancer is recognized as such. Unfortunately, in situ tumors are usually asymptomatic, making them difficult to detect, despite being curable.1
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