B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in a cat

Tomomi Kanehara1, Naoko Matsui2, Mami Murakami2,3,4

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.

Insights

This study reports the first diagnosed case of B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in a cat. This rare feline cancer involves neoplastic lymphoid cells with unique cytoplasmic inclusions.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Immunohistochemistry

Background:

  • B-cell lymphoma is a common malignancy in cats.
  • Mott cell differentiation, characterized by cytoplasmic inclusions of immunoglobulin, is rare in feline lymphoid neoplasms.
  • This case presents a unique manifestation of feline lymphoma.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat presented with anorexia and vomiting.
  • Physical examination revealed enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, and a submucosal epiglottic mass.
  • Cytologic and histopathologic examinations showed medium- to large-sized neoplastic lymphoid cells with cytoplasmic inclusions.

Findings:

  • Immunohistochemistry confirmed a B-cell immunophenotype (CD20+, Pax5+, MUM1+, CD3-).
  • The cytoplasmic inclusions stained positive with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and contained immunoglobulin M (IgM) and lambda (λ) light chains.
  • These inclusions are consistent with aberrant IgM λ light chain accumulation, similar to Russell bodies, leading to a diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation.

Implications:

  • This is the first documented case of feline B-cell lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation.
  • Understanding this specific subtype can improve feline lymphoma diagnosis and classification.
  • Further research may elucidate the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for this rare condition in cats.