The increase in size of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the number of cells, typically as a normal response to stimulation or as a pathological process. Unlike hypertrophy, it involves cell multiplication rather than individual cell enlargement.
From Greek 'hyper' meaning 'over' or 'excessive' and 'plasis' meaning 'formation' or 'molding.' The term describes the excessive formation or multiplication of cells within a tissue.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects nearly all men as they age - it's essentially the prostate gland's cells multiplying in response to hormonal changes, like a garden that keeps growing new plants in the same space! This is why older men often have difficulty urinating; the enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra like a garden hose being pinched.
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