Hyperplasien

Hyperplasien, the plural form of hyperplasia in some languages, refer to conditions characterized by an increased number of cells in a tissue or organ, resulting in enlargement. Hyperplasia is distinct from hypertrophy, which involves an increase in cell size, and from neoplasia, which denotes uncontrolled growth. It reflects a response to a stimulus that promotes cell division and can be physiological or pathological.

Physiological hyperplasien arise as part of normal development or adaptation. Examples include hormonal stimulation of breast and uterine tissue during puberty and pregnancy, and compensatory hyperplasia after tissue loss or injury, such as liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

Pathological hyperplasien result from abnormal or persistent stimuli, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic irritation. Endometrial hyperplasia, driven by excess estrogen, is a well-known example, and benign prostatic hyperplasia is common in aging men. In some tissues, hyperplasia can be a precursor to malignancy if the proliferative stimulus persists or dysplastic changes develop.

Mechanisms underlying hyperplasien involve signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, including growth factors, cytokines, and hormone receptors. Because hyperplasia represents regulated growth, it is often reversible when the inciting stimulus is removed, though the risk of progression to cancer varies by tissue type and histological context.

Diagnosis combines clinical evaluation with histological assessment to distinguish hyperplasia from dysplasia and neoplasia. Treatment targets the underlying cause and may involve hormonal modulation, lifestyle adjustments, or surgical management in select conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia.