Ülekasvu

Ülekasvu is a term used in Estonian to describe an abnormal or excessive growth of tissue or body parts. It literally combines üle- “over” and kasv “growth,” and functions as an umbrella concept in biology and medicine to denote growth that exceeds the normal range. It is not a single disease, but a label for a pattern that can result from various mechanisms, including increased cell size (hypertrophy), increased cell number (hyperplasia), or tissue expansion due to tumors, edema, or other processes. In medical contexts, ülekasvu may refer to localized overgrowth syndromes or to more general observations of abnormal growth.

In plants and crops, ülekasvu often describes excessive vegetative growth, such as lush leaf production or elongated stems, typically caused by ample nutrients (especially nitrogen), sufficient light, favorable temperatures, or hormonal imbalances. While vigorous growth may improve biomass in some contexts, it can lead to problems such as lodging, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests. Management includes balanced fertilization, pruning, training, and, in controlled environments, adjusting light, temperature, and irrigation.

In human and animal health, overgrowth is encountered in various conditions, including hormonal imbalances, genetic overgrowth syndromes, and localized tumors. Examples include growth hormone excess leading to acromegaly or gigantism, and congenital or somatic overgrowth disorders associated with mosaic mutations. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests; treatment targets the underlying cause, and may involve hormonal regulation, surgical removal of excess tissue, or targeted therapies in certain genetic conditions.

Ülekasvu is a broad, non-specific term. In scientific or clinical writing, it is often replaced by more precise terms such as hypertrophy, hyperplasia, dysplasia, or specific overgrowth syndromes to convey the exact mechanism and context.