dysplasia

Definition of dysplasia

dysplasia

(dis-PLAY-zhuh)
A term used to describe the presence of abnormal cells within a tissue or organ. Dysplasia is not cancer, but it may sometimes become cancer. Dysplasia can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how much of the tissue or organ is affected.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms