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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
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Tracheal melanoma in a cat.
Ricardo E Mendes1, Brian O Kirby2, Katherine Kirby2
1Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Summary
This study reports a rare case of tracheal melanoma in an 8-year-old cat. The feline melanoma caused respiratory distress and obstruction, highlighting a unique presentation of this uncommon tumor.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Feline Medicine
Background:
- Extraocular melanocytic neoplasms are uncommon in cats, typically affecting the skin and oral cavity.
- Tracheal neoplasms are rare in felines, with lymphoma being the most frequent diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a rare case of tracheal melanoma in a domestic shorthair cat.
- To document the clinical, radiographic, gross, and histological findings of this unusual feline neoplasm.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case presentation of an 8-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat.
- Diagnostic procedures included radiography and tracheoscopy.
- Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining (melan-A, PNL2) were performed on the tracheal mass.
Main Results:
- The cat presented with cyanosis, dyspnea, and wheezing due to a mid-tracheal obstruction.
- Grossly, a large, pale-yellow mass occluded the tracheal lumen.
- Histopathology revealed a poorly demarcated neoplasm infiltrating tracheal tissues, with neoplastic cells positive for melan-A and PNL2, confirming melanoma.
Conclusions:
- This case represents a rare occurrence of tracheal melanoma in a cat.
- Tracheal melanoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline respiratory obstructions, especially in older cats.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of rare feline respiratory tumors.
