Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia is a condition characterized by the proliferation of cells within an organ or tissue, which can occur in response to various physiological processes, whether normal or abnormal. This increase in cell number often leads to an enlargement of the affected area, potentially disrupting its normal function. Common causes of hyperplasia include aging, chronic inflammation, and abnormal hormone levels. While many cases are benign and may not present noticeable symptoms, some types, such as endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, can raise concerns due to their potential progression to cancer.
Different forms of hyperplasia can affect various organs, including the uterus, prostate, and adrenal glands. For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent among older men and can lead to urinary difficulties. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition, ranging from a monitoring approach for mild cases to surgical interventions for more severe instances. Hormone therapies and thermotherapy techniques may also be employed to manage symptoms or reduce the size of the affected tissue. Understanding hyperplasia is crucial for anyone seeking insights into its implications for health and wellness.
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Subject Terms
Hyperplasia
ALSO KNOWN AS: Hypergenesis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Cells, genitals, urinary system, uterus
DEFINITION: A proliferation of cells in response to either normal or abnormal physiological processes
CAUSES: Aging, chronic inflammation, abnormal hormone production
SYMPTOMS: Enlarged tissue or organ with impaired function, tumor
DURATION: Variable
TREATMENTS: Hormone therapy, surgery, ultrasound, microwave or radio-frequency thermotherapy
Causes and Symptoms
Hyperplasia means that extra cells are present in an organ or tissue. The cells themselves are usually normal, if sometimes enlarged, although in some cases atypical cells (called atypia) may develop. As cells proliferate, they cause the organ or tissue to enlarge while affecting normal spacing and ordering. In some cases, the enlargement is a normal stage in a process, such as the enlargement of breasts for breast-feeding. In others, it may be unsightly but harmless, as in sebaceous hyperplasia: small, soft, yellow growths on the face.
Endometrial hyperplasia is enlargement of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, probably from elevated levels of estrogens. Most instances are benign and cause no symptoms. Hyperplasia with atypia is cause for concern, because in about a quarter of cases it develops into cancer.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is enlargement of the by a proliferation of cells in and adjacent epithelial tissue. It is common in men over forty years of age and may cause difficult, frequent, or painful urination.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic malformation of the that prevents them from producing the hormones and aldosterone. Without them, the body produces too much of the male sex hormone androgen. In females, this may lead to abnormal or absent menstruation, genitals that look both male and female, or excessive growth. In males, malformed genitals may develop, and there may be early development of male characteristics. In severe cases, newborn infants may experience heart arrhythmias, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and vomiting.
Treatment and Therapy
For the majority of hyperplasia cases, when there are no or mild symptoms, physicians do not recommend treatment. Instead, the condition is monitored regularly—the “wait and watch” approach. However, for severe cases, surgery is often used. For endometrial hyperplasia, removal of the (hysterectomy) is preferred. For the prostate, several methods exist to remove the enlarged portion: open surgery, surgery with a resectoscope through the urethra, and laser procedures to destroy excess tissue. Various methods of thermotherapy—heating tissue to destroy or shrink it—use water, microwaves, ultrasound, or radio-frequency energy.
Medications can also reduce the symptoms of hyperplasia. Progestrones are used for endometrial hyperplasia. Several drugs to inhibit production of hormones likewise treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, and other medications may be given to relax the muscles of the prostate and to make urination easier. Medications containing a form of cortisol control androgen levels in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Bibliography
Alan, Rick. "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia." Health Library, September 27, 2012.
"Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia." Mayo Clinic, 22 Mar. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/congenital-adrenal-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355205. Web. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.
Endometrial Hyperplasia—A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet Resources. San Diego, Calif.: Icon Health, 2004.
Hsu, C. Y., and Scott A Rivkees. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Parents’ Guide. Bloomington, Ind.: AuthorHouse, 2005.
Roehrborn, Claus G. Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Newton, Pa.: Handbooks in Health Care, 2007.
Stresing, Diane. "Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia." Health Library, November 26, 2012.
Warneke, Konstantin, Philip Alexander Freund, and Stephen Schiemann. "Long-Lasting Stretching Induces Muscle Hypertrophy: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies." Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise, vol. 5, 21 Oct. 2023, pp. 289-301, doi.org/10.1007/s42978-022-00191-z. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.