I searched the search engine and did not find a reasonable explanation. Could someone please tell me the differences and if one is more apt to lead to cancer. In most of the posts I've read it appears most folks have dysplasia cells on biopsy reports.
Thanks.
Mark D.

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

Thank you Leslie , That was a great help.