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Lymphangiosarcoma of dogs: a review
1Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Section of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa. june.williams@up.ac.za
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|November 23, 2005
Summary
Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare, aggressive cancer in dogs, often arising in subcutaneous tissues and spreading rapidly. Diagnosis involves histopathology and other advanced methods, with limited survival rates despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Lymphangiosarcoma is an exceptionally rare tumor in both humans and dogs.
- In humans, it's associated with Stewart-Treves syndrome in post-mastectomy patients with chronic lymphedema.
- Lymphedema, primary or secondary, often precedes malignancy, with genetic links noted in human cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on canine lymphangiosarcoma.
- To compare canine and human lymphangiosarcoma and lymphedema.
- To discuss diagnostic methods for canine lymphangiosarcoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 16 reported canine lymphangiosarcoma cases.
- Comparison with human lymphangiosarcoma and lymphedema literature.
- Discussion of diagnostic techniques including histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Canine lymphangiosarcoma is aggressive, similar to human cases, with poor survival rates.
- Tumors typically originate in subcutaneous tissues, invading deeply and metastasizing via lymphatic and hematogenous routes.
- Reported in medium-to-large breeds, slightly more males, with a wide age range (8 weeks to 13 years), predominantly in older dogs.
Conclusions:
- Canine lymphangiosarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient management.
- Further research may elucidate genetic factors and improve treatment outcomes.
