It is commonly used to describe certaincancersbut can also be applied to other non-cancerous conditions.
Yet, just because a medical condition is indolent doesn’t mean it should not be treated.
There are times when treating an indolent condition is the better approach and others when treatment is essential.
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This article looks at what “indolent” means and offers examples of common indolent conditions.
It also explains why an indolent disease may or may not be treated.
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What Is ‘Indolent?’
Certain cancers are characteristically indolent.
The term “indolent” may be applied to any disease that is progressive but is currently not.
You would intervene whether symptoms are significant or not.
On the other hand, you would call certainprostate cancersindolent if they are slowly progressing.
Even if the condition is unlikely to become serious, there is no guarantee that it won’t.
At other times, treatment may be recommended based on the expected behaviors of the disease.
Examples of Indolent Diseases
Many diseases can be classified as indolent.
Prostate Cancer Foundation.Active surveillance: what you oughta know.
