Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fat tissue inflammation and pancreatic tumor in an 11-year-old
By Fabbrini, Fabrizio et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2005·Clinica Veterinaria Papiniano, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline cutaneous and visceral necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic tumour.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old male Siamese cat was brought in with unusual nodules on its body, including some that were ulcerated and had a shiny yellow appearance. Unfortunately, the cat was euthanized at the owner's request before a definitive diagnosis could be made. A post-mortem examination revealed a pancreatic tumor and widespread fat necrosis, which is a rare condition where fat tissue breaks down, likely due to enzymes released from the pancreas. This case highlights the serious complications that can arise from pancreatic tumors in cats, including skin issues and metastasis to other organs.
People also search for: cat skin lumps · Siamese cat pancreatic tumor · cat fat necrosis symptoms
Abstract
The association of pancreatic disorders with fat necrosis in domestic animals is rare. This report concerns a case of cutaneous/subcutaneous necrotizing panniculitis and steatitis associated with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma in an 11-year-old male Siamese cat. Clinical investigation revealed variably sized nodules on the trunk, limbs and abdomen. Some of them were ulcerated; others showed a shiny yellow necrotic background featuring irregular sinus tracts. The cat was euthanized at the owner's request before a diagnosis could be made. At necropsy, abundant oily material resembling mustard replaced the subcutaneous tissue and small yellow nodules were disseminated in the omentum, mesentery and serosa of the abdomen. A multilobulated mass arising from the anterior pancreatic head was found along with liver and lymph node metastasis. Histopathology showed wide fistulous tracts draining necrotic fat from the subcutis toward the surface and multifocal areas of necrotic adipocytes replacing the panniculus. Duct-like structures and tubules lined by neoplastic epithelial cells were observed in the primary pancreatic tumour and in the metastatic sites. The aetiology of the fat necrosis was possibly the result of systemic release of lipolytic pancreatic enzymes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16359310/