Periocular fibrosarcoma with lipogranulomatous conjunctivitis in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Comparative Pathology
• Feline Medicine

Background:

• Lipogranulomatous conjunctivitis (LGC) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the conjunctiva.
• Ocular fibrosarcomas can occur in cats, but their association with pre-existing conjunctival disease is not well-documented.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old domestic short-haired cat presented with a 4-year history of bilateral LGC.
• The cat subsequently developed a rapidly progressive mass on the palpebral conjunctiva of the right eye.
• Histopathology confirmed fibrosarcoma after surgical debulking and exenteration due to mass regrowth.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of a cat with chronic bilateral LGC developing a unilateral fibrosarcoma within the eyelid.
• The fibrosarcoma appeared to arise from the eyelid tissue adjacent to the chronically inflamed conjunctiva.

Implications:

• Fibrosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cats with chronic LGC presenting with rapidly progressive eyelid masses.
• This case underscores the importance of thorough histopathological evaluation of ocular masses in cats, especially those with concurrent chronic inflammatory conditions.