Overgrowth

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Overgrowth

Overgrowth (/ˈəʊvəˌɡrəʊθ/) is a medical term referring to an excessive growth or proliferation of cells or tissues in the body. It can occur in various parts of the body and can be associated with a number of different medical conditions.

Etymology

The term "overgrowth" is derived from the English words "over," meaning excessive or too much, and "growth," referring to the process of increasing in size.

Definition

Overgrowth is characterized by an abnormal increase in the size of a body part, organ, or tissue. It is often associated with genetic disorders and can result in a variety of physical and health complications.

Related Terms

  • Hypertrophy: This is a type of overgrowth where there is an increase in the size of cells, leading to an enlargement of the organ or tissue.
  • Hyperplasia: This refers to an increase in the number of cells, which can also result in overgrowth.
  • Neoplasia: This is a type of overgrowth characterized by the abnormal proliferation of cells, often leading to the formation of a tumor.
  • Gigantism: This is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average, often due to overproduction of growth hormone.
  • Macrosomia: This is a condition where a baby is significantly larger than average for its gestational age, often due to overgrowth in the womb.

Conditions Associated with Overgrowth

  • Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: This is a genetic disorder often characterized by overgrowth of several parts of the body.
  • Proteus syndrome: This is a rare condition characterized by overgrowth of the bones, skin, and other tissues.
  • Sotos syndrome: This is a disorder characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, overgrowth in childhood, and learning disabilities or delayed development of mental and movement abilities.

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