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Thyroglossal Duct Carcinoma in a Cat
Jeremiah D Moorer1, Melanie A Breshears1, Danielle R Dugat1
1From the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (J.D.M., D.R.D.) and the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology (M.A.B.), Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|June 4, 2016
Summary
A rare thyroglossal duct carcinoma was diagnosed in a cat with a persistent cervical mass. Surgical removal was successful, with no recurrence observed, suggesting a good prognosis for feline cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is a rare malignancy originating from remnants of the thyroglossal duct.
- While documented in humans and dogs, its occurrence in felines has not been previously reported.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in persistent cervical masses.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with a year-long, fluid-filled ventral cervical mass unresponsive to aspiration.
- Computed tomography revealed a large, multilobulated mass extending into the thoracic inlet.
- Cytology showed cystic fluid with evidence of chronic hemorrhage.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed thyroglossal duct carcinoma after surgical excision.
- Immunohistochemistry ruled out thyroid and parathyroid gland origins.
- The cat experienced no recurrence at 14 months post-surgery without further treatment.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of thyroglossal duct carcinoma in a cat.
- The successful surgical outcome suggests a potentially favorable prognosis in felines, similar to humans.
- This finding expands the differential diagnosis for cervical masses in cats and contributes to comparative oncology research.
