What will happen if a rat’s tumor is not removed? - briefly
If the growth remains untreated, it will continue to enlarge, invade surrounding tissues, and may metastasize, ultimately leading to organ failure and death.
What will happen if a rat’s tumor is not removed? - in detail
If a neoplasm in a laboratory rat is left in place, the lesion will typically expand in size. Cellular proliferation continues unchecked, leading to increased mass volume and pressure on surrounding tissues. This expansion can compress blood vessels, reduce perfusion, and cause ischemia in adjacent organs.
Rapid growth often triggers angiogenesis, supplying the tumor with new blood vessels that facilitate further expansion and provide routes for malignant cells to enter the circulation. Once cells disseminate, they may establish secondary growths in distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. Metastatic spread accelerates systemic deterioration and shortens survival.
Local effects include ulceration of overlying skin, necrosis within the tumor core, and chronic inflammatory responses. These processes generate persistent pain, reduced mobility, and impaired feeding behavior. Weight loss and cachexia commonly follow, reflecting metabolic disruption caused by tumor-derived cytokines and hormone-like factors.
From an experimental perspective, untreated tumors introduce variability in physiological parameters, compromise data integrity, and invalidate studies that rely on controlled disease progression. Ethical guidelines require humane endpoints; failure to intervene can constitute a breach of animal welfare standards and expose institutions to regulatory sanctions.
Typical clinical signs observed in untreated cases:
- Progressive enlargement of the palpable mass
- Visible ulceration or bleeding at the tumor site
- Decreased activity and reluctance to move
- Reduced food and water intake leading to weight loss
- Labored breathing if thoracic structures are involved
- Signs of systemic illness such as lethargy and fever
In summary, neglecting to remove a rat’s tumor results in unchecked growth, potential metastasis, severe physiological distress, and ethical violations, ultimately culminating in premature death.