hiperplasia

Hiperplasia, or hyperplasia in English, is the increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to enlargement. It differs from hypertrophy, which is an increase in cell size rather than cell number. Hyperplasia can be physiological, arising as part of normal development and tissue maintenance, or pathological, arising from abnormal stimulation or underlying disease.

Physiological hyperplasia occurs as a normal response to hormonal signals or tissue demand. Examples include endometrial hyperplasia driven by estrogen during the reproductive cycle, breast tissue development during puberty, and liver hyperplasia after injury or partial removal as part of organ regeneration.

Pathological hyperplasia results from persistent stimulation, inflammation, or genetic factors. Endometrial hyperplasia due to prolonged estrogen exposure can increase cancer risk in some cases. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common age-related condition that enlarges the prostate and can affect urinary function. Hyperplasia can also occur in the thyroid, skin, or other tissues under chronic stimulus or disease.

Diagnosis is based on clinical context and, when appropriate, histological examination to assess the pattern of cell proliferation and the presence of any atypia. Management depends on the tissue involved and the underlying cause, and may include addressing hormonal imbalances, medical therapy to counteract stimuli, or surgical intervention when symptoms or cancer risk justify it. Prognosis varies by tissue type and cause; some hyperplasias resolve when the stimulus is removed, while others require ongoing monitoring.