Pathologic Function
dysplasia Audio
dys·pla·sia [ dis-pley-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh ]
Definitions related to dysplasia:
  • A usually neoplastic transformation of the cell, associated with altered architectural tissue patterns. The cellular changes include nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities. Molecular genetic abnormalities are also often found and, in some instances, may lead to cancer.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Abnormal changes in cells of a tissue. The cells aren't cancerous, but they can sometimes progress to cancer.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Dysplasia, malformation of a bodily structure or tissue; the term most commonly denotes a malformation of bone. Chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis-van Creveld syndrome) is a rare congenital disorder; it is hereditary (autosomal recessive). Affected individuals exhibit heart abnormalities (which may...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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