Question
What is hyperplasia? Is it cancer?
Answer
The term hyperplasia refers to overgrowth of tissue due to an abnormal increase in the number of cells in the tissue. It isn't a disease but can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as irritation, infection or early-stage cancer. Sometimes its cause can't be determined. Hyperplasia is detected by microscopic examination of a tissue sample (biopsy).
Last Updated: 12/13/2004
