Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with neck swelling and lymphoma guided by PET/CT scan
By Carolyn L. Chen et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2021·Veterinary Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Use of PET/CT to Guide Treatment in a Cat With Presentation Consistent With Hodgkin's-Like Lymphoma
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Domestic Long Hair cat was brought in for a swollen area in his neck, which was thought to be an enlarged lymph node possibly due to a type of lymphoma. To get a better understanding of the disease, the vet used a special imaging test called a PET/CT scan, which showed that the cancer had spread to multiple organs. After confirming high-grade lymphoma through a biopsy, the vet recommended chemotherapy instead of surgery. The cat initially responded to a chemotherapy treatment but sadly stopped responding after two months and was euthanized due to a relapse and poor quality of life.
People also search for: cat neck swelling lymphoma · cat chemotherapy treatment · Domestic Long Hair lymphoma prognosis
Abstract
An 8-year-old male neutered Domestic Long Hair cat was presented for a cervical swelling that was suspected to be an enlarged left retropharyngeal lymph node. In the absence of other lymphadenopathy, this was initially suspected to be Hodgkin's-like lymphoma. A positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) scan was performed using 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) to assess for evidence of disease in other locations to guide treatment. Multifocal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was identified, indicating disease in multiple organs. High-grade lymphoma was confirmed on tissue biopsy. As such, systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy was recommended instead of lymph node extirpation surgery. The cat received a modified CHOP chemotherapy protocol and attained a temporary partial remission. After 2 months of treatment, the cat stopped responding to chemotherapy and was eventually euthanized due to a relapse of disease and decreased quality of life. This case describes the utility of PET/CT to guide treatment in a cat with a presentation consistent with Hodgkin's-like lymphoma.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.619264