What does induration of tissue typically signify?

Induration of tissue refers to a hardening or thickening of the skin or underlying tissue, often caused by an inflammatory process. It typically indicates fluid accumulation due to the presence of edema or inflammatory changes. When tissue becomes inflamed, the body may respond by increasing blood flow to the area, leading to the leakage of plasma proteins and fluids into the interstitial space, which contributes to the hardening characterizing induration.

Although fluid accumulation is indeed a significant factor in tissue induration, the condition can also suggest other processes, such as infection or chronic inflammation, which could create similar properties in the affected tissues. In this context, while other options describe mechanisms associated with tissue changes, the primary indication of induration is closely related to fluid accumulation and the resultant tissue response.