Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Hibbert, Angie et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science · United Kingdom
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at eight cats with thyroid cancer, which is a type of cancer affecting the thyroid gland. The researchers used a special imaging technique called scintigraphy to check the thyroid, but it didn't always show if the tissue was cancerous. They confirmed the cancer through tissue samples, finding signs of malignancy in all cases. The cats were treated with a single high dose of radioactive iodine, and this treatment worked well for six of the eight cats, completely resolving their hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) and leading to longer lifespans. Overall, the study suggests that high-dose radioactive iodine is a safe and effective treatment for this type of cancer in cats, with a good chance of extended survival.
Abstract
This study reports the scintigraphy, histopathology, sole treatment with high-dose radioactive iodine and outcome of eight cases of feline thyroid carcinoma. Scintigraphic findings were variable and in 7/8 cases scintigraphic features could not reliably distinguish whether the thyroid tissue was malignant. Histopathology revealed typical criteria of malignancy in all cases, with mitotic activity described most frequently (7/8 cases), followed by infiltration of local tissues (4/8 cases). Cellular pleomorphism was infrequently observed. Single high-dose (1100MBq I(131)) radioiodine therapy was successful in 6/8 cases, with complete resolution of hyperthyroidism, and was associated with prolonged survival times (181-2381 days). Sole treatment with high-dose radioiodine is a safe and effective treatment for functional thyroid carcinoma. The prognosis for feline thyroid carcinoma successfully treated with radioiodine is good, with extended survival times commonly achieved.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18835538/