Spontaneous Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour in a Captive Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Oncology
• Primate Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are uncommon neoplasms.
• PNSTs are typically benign in veterinary and human medicine.
• Malignant PNSTs are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old male rhesus macaque presented with a deep forearm mass.
• The tumor was embedded within the soft tissue.
• Clinical and gross examination suggested a neoplastic process.

Findings:

• Histopathological analysis confirmed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
• Immunological markers were assessed.
• The tumor exhibited characteristics of a rare, aggressive neoplasm.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of PNSTs in non-human primates.
• Highlights the importance of thorough histopathological evaluation for rare tumors.
• Provides data for comparative oncology and veterinary diagnostics.