What does "enlargement" signify when used in medical terms?

In medical terminology, "enlargement" specifically refers to an abnormal increase in size of an organ or tissue. This concept is often applied to various medical conditions where an organ may swell or grow larger due to disease, inflammation, or other pathological processes. For instance, conditions like hypertrophy (where cells increase in size) or edema (where fluid accumulates) can cause tissues to appear enlarged.

The emphasis on "abnormal" is crucial because it distinguishes pathological enlargement from normal variations in size that might occur due to growth or health factors. Understanding this term is important for recognizing potential health issues that can arise from abnormal growth patterns in the body, which can lead to further diagnostic assessments or treatment plans.