Immunophenotyping lymphomas in dogs: a comparison of results from fine needle aspirate and needle biopsy samples

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Immunohistochemistry
• Canine Oncology

Background:

• Immunophenotyping is crucial for diagnosing canine lymphoma.
• Cytologic samples are often used, but their reliability for immunophenotyping requires validation.
• Comparison with histologic samples is necessary to establish diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability of cytologic samples for immunophenotyping canine lymphomas.
• To compare immunophenotyping results from fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples with those from needle biopsy specimens.
• To assess the utility of FNA in differentiating tumor types and processes.

Main Methods:

• A panel of 12 antibodies targeting cell surface markers and intermediate filaments was used.
• Immunohistochemical staining was performed on both cytologic (FNA) and histologic (needle biopsy) samples from 11 dogs with lymphoma.
• Results from both sample types were systematically compared.

Main Results:

• There was excellent correlation between the immunophenotyping results obtained from immunostained cytologic and histologic samples.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) proved to be a simple and noninvasive method for determining lymphoid phenotype.
• The technique showed potential in differentiating lymphoid from non-lymphoid tumors and neoplastic from reactive processes.

Conclusions:

• Cytologic samples obtained via FNA are reliable for immunophenotyping canine lymphoma.
• FNA is a valuable, minimally invasive tool for diagnosing canine lymphoma and aiding in differential diagnoses.
• This method supports accurate cytodiagnosis in veterinary oncology.