Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with neck and chest tumors causing high calcium levels
By Kim, Minji et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2026·College of Veterinary Medicine, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A case of suspected ectopic parathyroid chief cell carcinoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old spayed female Korean shorthair cat was brought in for evaluation due to masses in her neck and chest. Blood tests showed high calcium levels, which can be a sign of serious health issues. Despite treatment with bisphosphonates, which are used to lower calcium levels, her condition did not improve. Unfortunately, the cat was euthanized after about 290 days, and further examination revealed a type of cancer called parathyroid chief cell carcinoma, which had spread and caused significant damage to her tissues.
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Abstract
A 12-year-old spayed female Korean shorthair cat was evaluated for mediastinal and cervical masses. A serum biochemistry analysis revealed hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, with normal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Diagnostic imaging showed multicystic cervical and mediastinal masses with increased opacity in the left caudal lung field, suggestive of partial lung collapse. Abdominal imaging was unremarkable. Cytology of the mediastinal mass suggested an epithelial or neuroendocrine tumor. Hypercalcemia remained unresolved following bisphosphonate therapy; the cat was euthanized 290 days after presentation. Postmortem examination revealed multicystic cervical and mediastinal masses with hemorrhage and necrosis. Histopathology showed neoplastic epithelial cells with cystic degeneration and lymphatic invasion in cervical and mediastinal masses. Immunohistochemistry confirmed PTH expression, establishing the chief cell parathyroid carcinoma. To our knowledge, this case represents a suspected ectopic feline parathyroid chief cell carcinoma with extensive cystic change and metastatic features.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41905940/