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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Multiple skin mast cell tumors with epitheliotropism in a male cat

By Cormillot, Sophie et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2025·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (Cormillot, Canada·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors displaying epitheliotropism in a male cat.

Species:
cat
Skin & coatCats

Plain-English summary

A 16-year-old male domestic medium-hair cat was brought in for multiple skin tumors that were identified as mast cell tumors, which can sometimes behave aggressively. After tests showed no spread to other parts of the body, the vet started treatment with a medication called toceranib phosphate. The cat showed some improvement initially, but after about three months, the tumors progressed. The vet then switched to a different treatment, lomustine, but sadly, the cat was euthanized shortly after due to the aggressive nature of the tumors.

People also search for: cat skin tumors treatment · mast cell tumors in cats · toceranib phosphate for cats

Abstract

A 16-year-old castrated male domestic medium-hair cat was referred for examination of multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors displaying epitheliotropism. Staging tests were negative for distant metastasis. Toceranib phosphate therapy was initiated. The cat improved clinically and had a strong partial response. Tumor progression was noted 13 wk later, at which time the cat was treated with lomustine. The cat was euthanized 11 d later. Epitheliotropism is an uncommon finding in mast cell tumors and may be associated with more aggressive behavior. Key clinical message: Feline cutaneous mast cell tumors displaying epitheliotropism may follow a more aggressive clinical course. Toceranib should be considered as an initial treatment for these tumors. Further research is needed to determine the prognosis for cats with epitheliotropic mast cell tumors.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39781407/