According to the National Cancer Institute's glossary of cancer-related terms, hyperplasia is an abnormal increase in the number of cells. Dysplasia refers to cells that appear abnormal but are not cancer.

Other sites go a bit further, defining hyperplasia as an abnormal increase in the number of normal cells.

My husband's initial biopsy report of a leukoplakia showed moderate dysplasia. When I asked about that on these boards, here's how Brian responded:
[quote]Dysplasia are those cells which are no longer normal, but they are not really malignant yet...an in-between state, so to speak. Dysplasias also do not always go completely over to the dark side, but they are a step in that direction... and having them removed, or watched very regularly is prudent. [/quote]Hope this helps.

All the best,
Leslie