What does hyperplasia mean?
Hyperplasia is a medical term for an abnormal increase in the number of cells within a tissue or organ. It is often associated with hormonal stimulation, chronic irritation, inflammation, or increased demand on an organ, and it may cause visible enlargement. Hyperplasia is not the same as hypertrophy: hyperplasia produces more cells, while hypertrophy makes existing cells larger. The term is also not synonymous with cancer, although some forms can increase a person's risk of developing it. Familiar examples include benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate common in older men, and endometrial hyperplasia, abnormal thickening of the uterine lining. The word is most often used in clinical and biological contexts, where the affected tissue and the cause of the cellular proliferation are important for diagnosis and treatment.
nounAn abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, resulting in enlargement that is not due to the accumulation of fluid or fat. Hyperplasia may occur in response to hormonal stimulation, irritation, or increased functional demand.
- An abnormal increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, often causing enlargement and sometimes predisposing to disease.
"Her biopsy showed benign endometrial hyperplasia but no evidence of cancer."
"The ultrasound revealed endometrial hyperplasia following a year of irregular bleeding."
"Chronic irritation can lead to epithelial hyperplasia in the affected tissue."
The plural is used when referring to multiple instances or distinct forms of abnormal tissue proliferation.
"The biopsies showed hyperplasias in both samples."
Hyperplasia multiplies the cells; hypertrophy enlarges them—a distinction that can make a diagnosis more precise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hyperplasia come from?
Hyperplasia was formed in the early 19th century from Greek hyper-, meaning 'over' or 'excessive', and -plasia, meaning formation or growth, ultimately from plassein, 'to form'. The prefix and suffix were combined in medical usage to describe an excessive increase in cellular formation. The same roots appear in related terms such as plasticity, while hyperplasia contrasts with hypoplasia, in which tissue formation or development is deficient.
Related word forms
How hyperplasia is actually used
This is primarily a medical and pathological term. It is related to but not synonymous with cancer, and its clinical significance depends on the tissue involved.
Easily confused with hyperplasia
Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells, whereas hypertrophy is an increase in the size of existing cells.