In the proper position without invasion of neighboring tissues; in place.
‘In place’, in the natural position, relating to plants in the wild as opposed to in cultivation.
In the natural or normal place; confined to the site of origin without invasion of neighbouring tissues.
In the natural or original position (e.g., inside the body).
Localized, confined to the site of origin.
In a contained or localized position; not extending beyond the point of origin.
The earliest stage of cancer, in which the disease has not spread beyond its original site or layer of cells. In situ cancer also is known as stage 0 cancer. Surgical removal of cancer in situ has a very high likelihood of curing the cancer. Cancers known to have an in situ stage are those affecting the anus, bladder, breast, cervix, colon, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, lung, rectum, stomach, and skin (melanoma).
“In situ” is a Latin phrase that translates to “in place.” The term “carcinoma in situ” refers to tissue, especially in the skin or cervix, where only the surface cells are cancerous.