What is induration?

Induration refers to the abnormal hardening of a tissue or organ, which can occur for various reasons, including chronic inflammation, infection, or tumor formation. This process results in a change in the tissue's texture and consistency, often making it firmer than the surrounding areas. Induration is commonly assessed in clinical settings during physical examinations, as it can provide important diagnostic clues regarding underlying health conditions.

The other options describe different conditions or aspects of the body's response to various stimuli. Abnormal conditions of soft tissue are more general and do not specifically refer to the hardening process. Inflammation of the skin is known as dermatitis and does not capture the essence of induration. Excessive sweating is termed hyperhidrosis, which is unrelated to the concept of tissue hardening. Therefore, the definition that captures the essence of induration is the abnormal hardening of a tissue or organ.