dysplasia /displā″zhə/ [Gk, dys + plassein, to form] , any abnormal development of tissues or organs. An alteration in cell growth resulting in cells that differ in size, shape, and appearance, often as a result of chronic irritation. Common sites for dysplasia are the cervix and the respiratory tract in individuals with a history of smoking.
Top, Mild dysplasia. Center, Severe dysplasia. Bottom, Carcinoma in situ (Damjanov and Linder, 2000)