Spontaneous malignant histiocytoma with metastasis in a rhesus monkey [Macaca mulatta]

A malignant histiocytoma was observed on the left arm of a recently imported rhesus monkey. Rapid invasion of deep tissues and tumor growth on the face prompted euthanasia. Necropsy revealed additional neoplastic foci in the lungs, diaphragm, intercostal muscles, pericardium and liver. Microscopically the predominant cell type was histiocytic; some cells had a distinct epithelioid appearance and other were spindle-shaped.