Definition

1. Noun:
   • Abnormal increase in number of cells: A condition characterized by the enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the reproduction rate of its cells. This is a biological and medical term for excessive cell proliferation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in older men.
  • The biopsy revealed endometrial hyperplasia, which required further monitoring.
  • The doctor explained that the thickening was due to hyperplasia, not a tumor.

Advanced Usage

• Compensatory hyperplasia: An increase in cell number in response to damage or loss in another part of an organ or tissue.
  • After a partial liver resection, the remaining tissue undergoes compensatory hyperplasia.
• Pathologic hyperplasia: Abnormal cell proliferation that occurs due to excessive hormonal or growth factor stimulation.
  • The endometrial lining showed signs of pathologic hyperplasia, a risk factor for cancer.

Variants and Related Words

• Hyperplastic (adj): Of or relating to hyperplasia.
  • The tissue had a hyperplastic appearance under the microscope.
• Hyperplasias (n, plural): The plural form of hyperplasia, referring to multiple instances or types of the condition.
  • The study compared different hyperplasias of the breast tissue.

Synonyms

• Cell proliferation: The process of cells dividing and increasing in number (a more general, often neutral term, whereas "hyperplasia" implies an abnormal or excessive increase).
• Neoplasia: The new and abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant (a related but distinct concept, as neoplasia involves uncontrolled growth that may form a mass).

Notes on Meaning

• Medical vs. General Use: This term is almost exclusively used in medical, biological, and pathological contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• Distinction from Hypertrophy: It is crucial to distinguish hyperplasia (increase in cell ) from hypertrophy (increase in cell ). Both can cause an organ to enlarge.

Noun

1. abnormal increase in number of cells