What Is the Meaning of Dysplasia?

Dysplasia is a disorder that comes in multiple forms in a variety of body parts or structures. There are two types of dysplasia, namely, localized and generalized. The structural problems associated with generalized dysplasias usually begin during fetal development. On the other hand, localized dysplasias result from certain stimuli, for instance, bone damage from car accidents.

Dysplasia is often asymptomatic; however, certain types of dysplasia manifest from the damages generated by the affected cells. These damaged cells may be treated by medical procedures or sometimes by simply relieving pain.

Definition

• The word \"dysplasia\" is a combination of two Greek words: “dys” (disordered) and “plassein” (to form). Dysplasia is an unusual development or growth of a part of the body such as deformed bones and muscles, as well as the total absence of such a part.

  Dysplasia is characterized as having a decreased amount of mature cells and an increased amount of immature cells, leading to an abnormal arrangement of tissue. Such cells could return to proper formation, but in some cases the cells worsen and become carcinogens (cancer-forming cells).

Localized

• Localized dysplasia is a tissue abnormality that is confined to a single area or body part. This abnormality may occur as the result of a certain stimuli and affect virtually any organ. Among the common stimuli that cause localized dysplasia are viruses, chemicals, mechanical irritation, fire or even sunlight.

  Sunburned skin is an example of a localized dysplasia; however, the skin tissues correct themselves as the sunburned skin heals.

Generalized

• Generalized dysplasia usually starts as an inherited abnormal tissue. Consequently, the tissue defect leads to structural deformities in different body parts.

  This type of dysplasia is classified according to the specific tissue affected and accounts for some important groups of inherited disorders including skeletal dysplasias and ectodermal dysplasias. Skeletal dysplasias affect the growth, organization and development of the bony skeleton. Ectodermal dysplasias affect the growth and development of tissues derived from the ectoderm?the early, outer layer of embryonic tissue?such as hair, fingernails, skin, sweat glands and teeth.

Symptoms

• While some dysplasias may be asymptomatic (without symptoms), damaged cells that accompany the dysplasia may produce indications of the abnormalities. For instance, according to Dr. David J. D'Agate and Dr. Stanley J. Swierzewski of the Cardiology Channel, the symptoms of Fibromuscular dysplasia are \"impaired blood flow, blurred vision, dizziness (vertigo), headache, neck pain or ringing in the ears (tinnitus),\" depending on the artery affected.

  Moreover, cervical dysplasia may result in bleeding or spotting, and fibrous (bone) dysplasia may bring brittleness, deformity, pain and uneven growth to the affected bones.

Treatment

• Dysplasia treatment depends upon the location and type of tissue affected. Some of the medical options may include cryotherapy (freezing) and surgery (ablation, excision, removal.) Sometimes treatment focuses only on relieving signs and symptoms such as pain or deformity and not on the abnormal formation.