Hyperplasia

HYPERPLASIA


Definition: Hyperplasia can be defined as an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, resulting in increased size of the organ or tissue.
So, there is an increased number of cells. But in the case of hypertrophy, there is the increased size of cells.

Hyperplasia vs Hypertrophy

Now, what are the causes of hyperplasia?
It can be due to Physiological or Pathological factors.
• Physiological hyperplasia:
Physiological hyperplasia can occur due to hormonal stimulation or as a compensatory process. Such as-
1)Hyperplasia due to hormones: e.g. hyperplasia of glandular epithelium of the female breast at puberty, pregnancy, and lactation, hyperplasia of the uterus during pregnancy from estrogenic stimulation.

2)Compensatory hyperplasia: e.g. in the liver following partial hepatectomy as a compensatory process.

• Pathological hyperplasia: Due to excess endocrine stimulation or chronic injury/irritation.Such as-

1)Excessive hormonal stimulation: e.g. Endometrial
 hyperplasia (due to estrogen)  and benign prostatic hyperplasia(due to androgens)

2)Chronic injury/irritation: Long-standing inflammation or chronic injury may lead to
hyperplasia especially in the skin or oral mucosa.
Pathological hyperplasia can progress to cancer, e.g. endometrial hyperplasia can develop into endometrial cancer.

Now let's discuss the mechanism of Hyperplasia:
• Hyperplasia is characterized by cell proliferation mostly of mature cell-mediated through stimulation by growth factors or hormones.
• In some instances, the new cells may be derived from tissue stem cells.
Now, what are the morphological abnormalities noted?
• Gross: The size of the affected organ is increased.
• Microscopy: Increased number of cells with an increased number of mitotic figures. 
To get more Pathology related interesting articles, CLICK on the following link

Feel free to share any of our articles on social media(Directly from the website) if you find it helpful. Thank you!!!!