Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How well lymph node tests find cancer spread in dogs and cats
By Langenbach, A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2001·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Sensitivity and specificity of methods of assessing the regional lymph nodes for evidence of metastasis in dogs and cats with solid tumors.
Plain-English summary
A group of 37 dogs and 7 cats with solid tumors underwent tests to check their regional lymph nodes for signs of cancer spread. The study found that fine-needle aspiration, a method where a thin needle is used to collect cells from the lymph nodes, was very effective, showing 100% sensitivity (it correctly identified all cases of metastasis) and 96% specificity (it accurately ruled out non-cancer cases). In contrast, physical exams alone were not reliable for detecting cancer spread. This suggests that if your pet has a solid tumor, fine-needle aspiration may be the best option for checking lymph nodes for metastasis.
People also search for: dog cancer lymph node biopsy · cat solid tumor metastasis · fine-needle aspiration for pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine sensitivity and specificity of physical examination, fine-needle aspiration, and needle core biopsy of the regional lymph nodes for evidence of metastasis in dogs and cats with solid tumors. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 7 cats. PROCEDURE: Regional lymph nodes were evaluated by means of physical examination (palpation), fine-needle aspiration, and needle core biopsy. Results were compared with results of histologic examination of the entire lymph node, the current standard. RESULTS: Tumors included 18 sarcomas, 16 carcinomas, 7 mast cell tumors, and 3 other tumors. Carcinomas were more likely to have metastasized to the regional lymph node (7/16 animals) than were sarcomas (2/18). Sensitivity and specificity of physical examination were 60 and 72%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates were 100 and 96%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of histologic examination of needle core biopsy specimens were 64 and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that fine-needle aspiration may be a sensitive and specific method of evaluating the regional lymph nodes in dogs and cats with solid tumors, because results correlated well with results of histologic examination of the entire lymph node. Physical examination alone was not a reliable method and should not be used to decide whether to aspirate or biopsy the regional lymph nodes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11345304/