Hyperplasia

Definition

Hyperplasia is increased cell production in a normal tissue or organ. Hyperplasia may be a sign of abnormal or precancerous changes. This is called pathologic hyperplasia.

It can also be due to the increased growth of normal cells. This is called physiologic hyperplasia. An example of physiologic hyperplasia is an increase in the number of prostate cells most often seen in older men (benign prostatic hyperplasia).

Alternative Names

Hypergenesis

References

Aster JC, Abbas AK, Kumar V, Debnath J, Das A. Cell injury, cell death, and adaptations. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins, Cotran & Kumar Pathologic Basis of Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 2.

Review Date: 7/3/2025
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology and Health Care Ethics, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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