Which term describes an abnormal, excessive scar tissue growth?

• A. Cicatrix
• B. Keloid
• C. Scar
• D. Hypertrophy

Answer: (B)

Keloids describe abnormal, excessive scar tissue growth that extends beyond the original wound. This distinguishes them from a normal scar (cicatrix) or a scar that remains within the wound margins. A cicatrix is simply the healed tissue left after injury, and a scar refers to that general mark from healing. Hypertrophy, while thickened and raised, stays within the boundaries of the original wound. Keloids, by contrast, can continue to grow beyond those boundaries and may not regress over time. So the term that best fits an abnormal, excessive scar tissue growth is keloid.