Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline alimentary lymphoma: 1. Classification, risk factors, clinical signs and non-invasive diagnostics.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Barrs, Vanessa R & Beatty, Julia A
- Affiliation:
- University of Sydney · Australia
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Alimentary lymphoma is a type of cancer that commonly affects cats, especially those that are middle-aged to older, typically around 10 to 13 years old. There are different forms of this lymphoma, and they can behave differently, respond to treatments in various ways, and have different outcomes. Diagnosing it accurately is crucial because it helps veterinarians choose the right treatment. However, it can be tricky to tell low-grade alimentary lymphoma apart from other conditions, like lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, especially when only small samples of the intestines are taken for testing. Overall, understanding these differences is important for providing the best care for affected cats.
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Alimentary lymphoma (AL) occurs commonly in cats and exists as distinct subtypes that differ in their clinical course, response to treatment and prognosis. Accurate diagnosis is important to guide appropriate treatment. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Differentiation of low-grade alimentary lymphoma from lymphoplasmacytic enteritis can be challenging, especially where endoscopic intestinal biopsies, which sample only the mucosa and submucosa, are used. The major differentials for intermediate- and high-grade alimentary lymphoma are other neoplastic and non-neoplastic intestinal mass lesions. The diagnosis of large granular lymphocyte lymphoma requires vigilance as it may be missed with routine diagnostics. PATIENT GROUP: AL affects predominantly middle- to old-aged domestic crossbred cats (median age 10-13 years). EVIDENCE BASE: The evidence supporting this review is grade II, III and IV, derived from prospective studies, retrospective case series, reviews, extrapolation from other species, pathophysiological justification and the combined clinical experience of those working in the field.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22370860/