The individual is therefore described as being at-risk for the condition. This is a mole that, when examined under the microscope, does not conform to what is considered normal, but yet is not a melanoma. Biopsy A procedure in which a small tissue sample, especially from the skin, is removed from the body to detect cancer or other abnormal cells. Cancer A general term for various illnesses characterized by growth of abnormal or malignant cells.
Some cancers exist quietly within the body for years without causing a problem.
Others are aggressive, rapidly forming tumors that may invade and destroy surrounding tissue. The abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA holds genetic information on cell growth, division, and function. The markers that carry traits from parents to children. A segment of a DNA molecule located on a chromosome that contains genetic information.