How hyperplasia differs from hypertrophy?

1. Hypertrophy is increase in the size of cell which result in increase in organ size. whereas hyperplasia is increase in number of cell due to a stimulus.
2. Hypertrophy is the result of increase production of cellular protein, in hyperplasia there is active cell division.
3. Hypertrophy can take place in any cell type whereas hyperplasia take place only in cells capable of division.

What is the clinical significance of pathological hyperplasia?

Pathologic hyperplasia constitutes a fertile soil in which cancerous proliferations may eventually arise. For example, patients with hyperplasia of the endometrium are at increased risk for developing endometrial cancer.

Describe the causes and clinical importance of hyperplasia.

Hyperplasia is of two types:

A. Physiologic hyperplasia

B. Pathologic hyperplasia.

Physiologic hyperplasia:

Physiologic hyperplasia due to the action of hormones or growth factors occurs in several circumstances: when there is a need to increase functional capacity of hormone sensitive organs; when there is need for compensatory increase after damage or resection.

So physiologic hyperplasia may be

• Hormonal: proliferation of the glandular epithelium of the female breast at puberty and during pregnancy.
• Compensatory: Liver regeneration after donation of a lobe of liver.

Pathologic hyperplasia:

Most forms of pathologic hyperplasia are caused by excessive or inappropriate actions of hormones or growth factors acting on target cells.

1. Endometrial hyperplasia
2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
3. Hyperplasia is a characteristic response to certain viral infections, such as papillomaviruses, which cause skin warts and several mucosal lesions composed of masses of hyperplastic epithelium.

What is hyperplasia?

Definition:

Hyperplasia is defined as an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue in response to a stimulus.