Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the giant cell type in a cat

A malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the giant cell type was diagnosed in a 10-year-old female Domestic Short-Hair cat. The tumour was surgically removed but recurred after two months and the animal was destroyed. The most prominent histological feature was the presence of numerous multinucleated giant cells scattered among malignant-looking mononuclear tumour cells. In addition, 16 cases of MFH of the giant cell type reported in cats in the English language literature are reviewed. The mean age was 6.5 years. The most often affected breed was the Domestic Short-Hair and no sex preference was found. Ten out of 16 cases were located in the legs; 10 extraskeletal, three were skeletal and in three cases the origin of the tumour was not specified. Proved metastasis occurred in only one case.