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Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma in a dog
I R Burton1, K Limpus, K G Thompson
11021 Maungakawa Road, RD4, Cambridge, New Zealand.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|December 1, 2005
Summary
This study reports the first case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a dog, a rare condition where liver cancer develops outside the liver. This finding highlights a novel presentation of canine abdominal masses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
- Canine Neoplasia
Background:
- Ectopic hepatic tissue, while rare in dogs, is documented in humans and cats.
- Neoplastic transformation of ectopic liver tissue is a known phenomenon in human medicine.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male Bearded Collie presented with a 7-year history of urinary incontinence.
- Abdominal palpation revealed a large, firm, non-painful mass.
- Imaging and fine needle aspirates suggested epithelial cells with hepatocyte features.
Findings:
- Exploratory laparotomy identified a mass within the gastrosplenic ligament and greater omentum.
- Histopathology confirmed sheets of hepatocytes lacking normal hepatic architecture.
- The diagnosis was ectopic mesenteric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Implications:
- This is the first documented case of ectopic HCC in a dog.
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for abdominal masses in dogs.
- Understanding ectopic HCC in dogs may inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies.