Clinicopathologic features of lingual canine T-zone lymphoma

Canine T-zone lymphoma (TZL) is a subtype of T-cell lymphoma characterized by unique histologic pattern and cytomorphology, immunophenotypic loss of CD45 expression, and an indolent clinical behaviour. Dogs with TZL typically present with 1 or more enlarged lymph nodes and/or lymphocytosis. We describe a novel extranodal presentation of TZL involving the tongue. Twelve dogs with tongue masses were diagnosed with lingual TZL based on a variable combination of immunophenotyping via flow cytometry, cytology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and/or PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) assay. Eleven dogs exhibited concurrent lymphocytosis and/or lymph node enlargement. Three cases were initially diagnosed as plasma cell tumours based on histology alone, thereby revealing a potential diagnostic challenge. Seven dogs achieved clinical remission and 4 achieved stable disease following variable treatment, consistent with the indolent nature of typical TZL involving the lymph nodes and peripheral blood. In 1 case the TZL resulted in progressive disease and failure to respond to treatment. In this case, the TZL exhibited histologic features of a higher grade neoplasm. This case series highlights a unique presentation of TZL and identifies a new differential diagnosis for lingual neoplasia. In this study, we characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic features and patient outcomes of 12 dogs with lingual TZL.