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Bilateral Thyroid Carcinosarcoma in a Cat
A F Rich1, M Piviani2, H Swales2
1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, UK.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|September 22, 2019
Summary
This study reports the first feline case of thyroid carcinosarcoma, a rare cancer affecting the thyroid gland. This rare cancer presented as a rapidly growing cervical mass in a domestic cat.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Primary hyperthyroidism is common in cats, but rapidly growing cervical masses require further investigation.
- Thyroid carcinosarcoma is a rare malignant neoplasm typically seen in dogs and humans.
Observation:
- A domestic shorthaired cat presented with a rapidly growing cervical mass and a history of hyperthyroidism.
- Cytology suggested sarcoma, but post-mortem examination revealed bilateral thyroid carcinosarcomas infiltrating the trachea.
- Histopathology confirmed thyroid carcinosarcoma with positive immunohistochemical markers for vimentin, pan-cytokeratin, and thyroid transcription factor-1.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of thyroid carcinosarcoma in a feline patient.
- The neoplasm was characterized by bilateral thyroid gland enlargement and infiltration of adjacent structures.
- A concurrent, unrelated pulmonary adenocarcinoma was also identified.
Implications:
- This report expands the known spectrum of thyroid neoplasms in domestic animals.
- It highlights the importance of thorough post-mortem examination for diagnosing rare conditions.
- Further research into feline thyroid carcinosarcoma may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
