Encapsulation has various clinical implications: - Infection Control: Encapsulation can limit the spread of infection by containing the infectious agents within a fibrous boundary. - Tumor Growth: In benign tumors, encapsulation can prevent the tumor from invading surrounding tissues. However, in malignant tumors, the capsule may be incomplete or breached, allowing cancer cells to spread. - Foreign Body Reaction: Encapsulation around implants or foreign bodies can affect their function. For instance, fibrous encapsulation around a medical implant can lead to complications such as pain or implant failure.
