What term is used for a clinical condition marked by the presence of distinct and abnormal tissue formation?

The term "neoplasm" refers to an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign or malignant. Neoplasms arise from uncontrolled cell division, which leads to the formation of a mass or tumor that is distinct from surrounding tissues. This condition is characterized by new and abnormal tissue formation that is not a normal response to injury or inflammation.

The significance of identifying a growth as a neoplasm lies in its potential implications for health. For instance, malignant neoplasms, commonly known as cancers, can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, which makes early detection and treatment critical.

The other terms relate to different conditions: fibrosis involves the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, typically following an injury or inflammation; atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue due to disease or lack of use; and hyperplasia describes an increase in the number of cells, which may lead to enlargement of an organ or tissue but does not necessarily involve abnormal tissue characteristics like neoplasms.