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Paratracheal cervical mass in a dog
Walter Bertazzolo1, Chiara Giudice, Marta Dell'Orco
1Pronto Soccorso Veterinario, Lodi, Italy. bertwalter@libero.it
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|December 5, 2003
Summary
A Welsh Terrier diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma, an uncommon endocrine tumor in dogs. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for differentiating it from other canine neuroendocrine tumors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Skin masses are common in dogs, requiring accurate diagnosis.
- Endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old Welsh Terrier presented with multiple skin masses.
- A cervical mass adjacent to the trachea was cytologically and histopathologically evaluated.
- Cytology showed round to polygonal cells; histology revealed nests of neoplastic cells.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the cervical mass as medullary thyroid carcinoma.
- Neoplastic cells were positive for chromogranin A, calcitonin, and neuron-specific enolase.
- The tumor exhibited features similar to other canine endocrine/neuroendocrine neoplasms.
Implications:
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma is an uncommon but important diagnosis in dogs.
- Immunohistochemistry is essential for definitive diagnosis and differentiation of canine endocrine tumors.
- Accurate diagnosis impacts prognosis and treatment strategies for canine endocrine neoplasms.