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Subungual Pigmented Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog
Yeseul Yang1, Du-Min Go2, Jae-Ha Jung3
1Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|May 16, 2022
Summary
A novel pigmented squamous cell carcinoma was identified in a dog's nail bed. This rare tumor, characterized by melanin-producing neoplastic cells, represents the first reported animal case.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nail bed masses in dogs can have various causes, including neoplasia.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer in dogs, but pigmented variants are rare.
- Subungual (under the nail) tumors require careful histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of subungual pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in an animal.
- To characterize the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of this rare tumor.
- To contribute to the understanding of canine nail bed neoplasia.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of an 11-year-old Miniature Schnauzer with claw loss due to a nail bed mass.
- Histopathological examination of the excised mass.
- Immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin, vimentin, and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1).
Main Results:
- The nail bed mass consisted of neoplastic squamous cells with significant melanin pigment.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for vimentin and IBA1.
- These findings supported a diagnosis of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first documented instance of subungual pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in an animal.
- The tumor's unique pigmentation and location highlight the importance of thorough diagnostic workups for nail bed lesions.
- Further research may elucidate the specific origins and behavior of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma in veterinary patients.
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