How Can Rats Get Cancer?
WouterRats are known to develop various types of tumors on their bodies. While many of these tumors are benign, others can become cancerous. These are most often located on the head and face. Swelling in these areas should be investigated as a possible sign of a tumor. There are two basic types of tumors in rats.
The naked mole rat, which can live up to 37 years, is completely cancer-resistant. Interestingly, this rodent breed was never injected with tumor-triggering viruses. Yet, pathologists did find two cases of cancer in mole rats at zoos. Although these cancer-free rats do not show any symptoms of cancer, their longevity is a testament to their ability to withstand such conditions.
One of the reasons rats do not develop cancer is their unusual genetic makeup. Researchers have been studying the way that these rodents avoid developing cancer for decades. While their mutations are similar to those in humans, the exact mechanism by which these tumors arise is still a mystery. However, one recent study by the University of Cambridge has shown that these mutations are responsible for cancer.
The tumors can be benign or cancerous, depending on where they are located in the body. They can be removed surgically, although there is a risk that the tumors can spread to other organs in the body. The sooner the tumor is removed, the better the outcome and lower the risk of recurrence.
