Which term describes the abnormal softening of gland tissue?

The term "adenomalacia" specifically refers to the abnormal softening of gland tissue. The prefix "adeno-" relates to glands, while "malacia" means softening. This term is used in medical contexts to describe conditions in which glandular tissues lose their normal hardness and become abnormally soft, which can potentially lead to dysfunction of the gland involved.

In contrast, "glandular atrophy" describes a reduction in the size or wasting away of glandular tissue, rather than a softening. "Hyperplasia" refers to an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, leading to its enlargement, which also does not indicate softening. "Tissue necrosis" involves the death of cells and is characterized by hardening and deterioration rather than softening. Therefore, adenomalacia is the most accurate term for the condition described in the question.