Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with malignant melanoma cells found in chest fluid at 14 years
By Morges, Michelle A & Zaks, Karen·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2011·Antech Diagnostics, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Malignant melanoma in pleural effusion in a 14-year-old cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old female cat was brought in showing signs of breathing problems. X-rays revealed fluid in her chest, and tests on the fluid showed it contained cancer cells from a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma, which she had previously experienced near her ear. Unfortunately, her health continued to decline, and she was euthanized to prevent further suffering. This case highlights that malignant melanomas can spread and cause serious issues in cats, even if they seem less aggressive than in other animals.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · malignant melanoma in cats · cat pleural effusion treatment · signs of cancer in cats · cat euthanasia decision
Abstract
CASE DETAILS: A 14-year-old female cat presented with signs of respiratory distress. Pleural fluid was found on radiographic assessment. Cytologic evaluation of the fluid revealed malignant melanocytosis. The cat had a previous history of a recurrent malignant melanoma near the base of the right ear. Due to declining clinical condition, the cat was euthanized. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cutaneous malignant melanomas (or melanosarcomas) are uncommon neoplasms in cats, and knowledge is limited. As far as the authors are aware, there are no previous reports in the veterinary literature of malignant melanocytes being identified in pleural effusion in cats, as they have in dogs. This report suggests that, despite conflicting information in the literature regarding the clinical behavior of cutaneous melanomas in cats, these tumors are capable of recurrence and metastasis. Aggressive treatment may be necessary even, as in this case, if the tumor is well differentiated on histopathology.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21704903/