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Ectopic cervical thymic carcinoma in a dog.
P Faisca1, J Henriques, T M Dias
1Centro de Investigação em Ciência Veterinária (CICV), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|May 5, 2011
Summary
This study reports the first case of ectopic cervical thymic carcinoma in a dog, a rare cancer presenting as a cranial cervical mass. Despite chemotherapy, the German shepherd experienced clinical deterioration, highlighting the aggressive nature of this canine cancer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic tumors, particularly thymic carcinomas, are exceptionally rare in veterinary medicine.
- Cranial cervical masses in dogs can present with severe respiratory distress, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old German shepherd presented with a rapidly growing cranial cervical mass causing respiratory compromise.
- Fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested a carcinoma, but chemotherapy yielded no clinical improvement.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination revealed a multi-lobated cranial cervical mass with tracheal deviation.
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a mixed population of lymphocytes and macrophages within a fibrous stroma, alongside cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells resembling Hassall's corpuscles.
- Neoplastic emboli with similar epithelial cells were identified in the thyroid gland.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of ectopic cervical thymic carcinoma in a canine patient.
- The findings expand the differential diagnosis for cranial cervical masses in dogs and underscore the importance of thorough histopathological evaluation.
- Further research into the etiology and treatment of canine ectopic thymic carcinoma is warranted.
