Early proliferative changes in intestinal cells.

Early lesions in the colonic mucosa of humans and rodents are characterized by similar proliferative changes within their epithelial cell population. Progressive phases of abnormal cell development appear during the evolution of neoplastic transformation in colonic cells of rodents exposed to chemical carcinogens and in humans highly susceptible to gastrointestinal cancer. Identification and classification by phenotype of cells of these individuals at increased risk for colon cancer are leading to new methods to improve the detection and diagnosis of neoplasia in high risk individuals and families. An analytical system of precise numerical definitions is aiding an approach to modify the evolution of advanced stages of neoplasia.