What is the medical term for the abnormal growth of tissue?

The term that specifically refers to the abnormal growth of tissue is neoplasia. Neoplasia denotes a process wherein there is an uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation of cells, which can lead to the formation of tumors. This process is distinct because it is not a normal response to stress or injury; rather, it typically signifies a pathological change that can result in benign or malignant growths.

Understanding the nuances of the other terms can help clarify why neoplasia is the most appropriate choice. Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, which can be a normal physiological response to various stimuli but does not necessarily imply abnormal growth. Hypertrophy involves the enlargement of existing cells rather than an increase in cell number, often seen in response to increased workload or hormonal signals. Metaplasia is the transformation of one type of differentiated tissue into another type, generally as an adaptive response but not indicative of an abnormal growth process.

Therefore, neoplasia stands out as it directly indicates abnormal and often uncontrolled growth of tissue, making it the accurate term in this context.