What characterizes "dysplastic" cells?

Dysplastic cells are characterized by abnormal growth and differentiation, reflecting some degree of atypical development. They often exhibit variations in size, shape, and organization that deviate from a typical cellular structure, indicating potential pre-cancerous changes. This can be seen in tissues where there is an increased risk for the development of malignancy. These cells may not necessarily be cancerous but are important markers for monitoring and further investigation.

Normal growth and structure, entirely benign and healthy cells, or cells that naturally regenerate without risk do not denote dysplasia. Such terms refer to cellular characteristics that demonstrate no atypical features, while dysplastic cells are specifically identified by their abnormal characteristics, laying the groundwork for clinical assessment and potential intervention.