Cutaneous mast cell tumor with epitheliotropism in 3 dogs

Epitheliotropism is an important diagnostic feature of cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma and canine cutaneous histiocytoma; however, although noted in certain feline mastocytic diseases, it has not been considered a feature of canine cutaneous mast cell tumor. In this study, 3 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors had epitheliotropic invasion of neoplastic mast cells into the epidermis and follicular epithelium. This unusual histologic finding was characterized by infiltrates of individual and clusters of neoplastic mast cells in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. The mast cell origin of these cells was documented by demonstration of metachromasia with Giemsa stain and positive immunoreactivity to KIT protein. On the basis of these findings, mast cell tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis for canine cutaneous round cell neoplasms that infiltrate the epidermis.