Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Young female Persian cats with bleeding diagnosed with uterine cancer
By Sontas, B H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Endometrial adenocarcinoma in two young queens.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two young female Persian cats were brought to the vet because they had unusual bleeding from their vaginas for several days. Initially, the vet thought they might have a uterine infection called pyometra, so both cats underwent surgery to remove their reproductive organs. However, lab tests revealed that both cats actually had a rare type of cancer called endometrial adenocarcinoma. Thankfully, after the surgery, both cats recovered well and were reported to be healthy over 20 months later. This case shows how important it is to check tissue samples after surgery, even when the initial diagnosis seems clear.
People also search for: cat bleeding from vagina · Persian cat cancer treatment · pyometra vs cancer in cats
Abstract
Endometrial adenocarcinoma is described in two young intact female Persian cats presented with haemorrhagic vaginal discharge. The discharge had been present for 3 and 15 days in each case, respectively. On the basis of signalment, history, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings a tentative diagnosis of pyometra was made in each cat and ovariohysterectomy was subsequently performed. Histological examination revealed endometrial adenocarcinoma in both cats together with ovarian luteal cysts and pyometra in one case. Immunohistochemistry revealed a diffuse and strongly positive reaction for oestrogen receptors in the nuclei of glandular epithelium in well-differentiated areas of the neoplastic tissue. Poorly differentiated areas of solid growth pattern had weak and focal expression of oestrogen receptors. Furthermore, the neoplastic cells within these areas displayed moderate to strong diffuse nuclear staining with Ki-67 antibody suggestive of a high proliferative capacity. The owners reported that the cats were clinically healthy 23 and 21 months after the surgery. These cases highlight the importance of histological examination of surgically resected tissue even when clinical signs and laboratory findings suggest pyometra.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23145490/