Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Regression of subcutaneous lymphoma following removal of an ovarian granulosatheca cell tumor in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1998
- Authors:
- Henson, K L et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Physiological Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old Arabian mare was brought in because she had several lumps under her skin and was having trouble getting pregnant. Tests showed that one of the lumps was a type of cancer called histiolymphocytic lymphoma. While examining her, the vet found a tumor on her left ovary, which was removed and identified as a granulosa-theca cell tumor. After this surgery, the lumps under her skin started to shrink, but they came back after she was given a synthetic hormone. Further tests suggested that the lymphoma might be influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, indicating a possible connection between hormone levels and the lumps. Overall, the treatment to remove the ovarian tumor worked to reduce the lymphoma initially.
Abstract
A 9-year-old Arabian mare was admitted for evaluation of multiple subcutaneous nodules and infertility. Fine-needle aspiration of one of the subcutaneous nodules resulted in a cytologic diagnosis of histiolymphocytic lymphoma. Palpation per rectum and transrectal ultrasonography revealed a mass associated with the left ovary. Excision of the ovarian tumor was performed, and a histopathologic diagnosis of granulosa-theca cell tumor was made. After removal of the granulosa-theca cell tumor, subcutaneous nodules regressed. The referring veterinarian reported that the nodules had also disappeared and then recurred after administration of a synthetic progestin. To further characterize the lymphoma and investigate this possible hormonal relationship, immunophenotyping and estrogen and progesterone receptor assays were performed. The subcutaneous lymphoma was classified as a T-cell rich B-cell lymphoma, results of estrogen receptor assays were negative, and results of progesterone receptor assays were positive. Clinical observations of subcutaneous lymphoma in horses indicate that the waxing and waning nature of these tumors may be associated with the estrous cycle, pregnancy, foaling, and lactation. Clinical observations and identification of progesterone receptors suggest that a relationship between serum steroid hormone concentrations, such as estrogen and progesterone, and subcutaneous lymphoma may exists.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9589129/