Chronic irritation and certain agents can induce what kind of growth in animals?

Chronic irritation and exposure to certain agents can lead to both benign and malignant growths in animals. This relationship is observed because persistent inflammation or irritation can cause a range of cellular responses. In some cases, these responses result in benign tumors, which are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

However, in other instances, the same chronic conditions can trigger more serious cellular changes that lead to malignant tumors, which are cancerous, can invade nearby tissues, and have the potential to metastasize to other areas. Examples include chronic irritation from physical agents, chemicals, or certain infectious agents, which can initiate a cascade of cellular alterations that may culminate in either type of growth.

Consequently, recognizing that both benign and malignant growths can arise from chronic irritation is crucial in veterinary medicine and laboratory animal care, as it underscores the importance of monitoring animals for long-term impacts from environmental or procedural exposure.