Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnosing nasopharyngeal masses in cats using squash cytology
By De Lorenzi, Davide et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2008·San Marco Private Veterinary Clinic, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Squash-preparation cytology from nasopharyngeal masses in the cat: cytological results and histological correlations in 30 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 30 cats with breathing problems due to masses in their nasopharynx (the area behind the nose and above the throat) underwent a special test called squash-preparation cytology to help identify the nature of these masses. This technique accurately distinguished between benign and malignant growths, with a high success rate in diagnosing conditions like lymphoma and carcinoma. While the cytology results were mostly reliable, further testing was recommended for certain types of lymphoma to confirm the diagnosis. Overall, this method proved to be a valuable tool for veterinarians in diagnosing serious airway issues in cats.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · nasopharyngeal mass in cats · lymphoma diagnosis in cats · cat cancer symptoms · cat upper airway obstruction treatment
Abstract
Upper airway obstruction in cats can be a life-threatening condition. Early recognition of clinical signs and an appropriate diagnostic approach increases the possibility of appropriate therapeutic choices. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and diagnostic value of squash-preparation cytology in providing an accurate diagnosis of masses growing in the nasopharynx of cats. Cytological specimens prepared by a squash technique from nasopharyngeal masses in 30 cats were collected under direct endoscopic guidance and classified into four groups: benign inflammatory/hyperplastic mass, lymphoma, carcinoma and sarcoma. The cytopathological diagnosis was compared with the final histopathological diagnosis and indices of diagnostic test accuracy were calculated. The results showed good agreement between the cytological and histological diagnosis with a sensitivity of 0.94, a specificity of 0.81, a positive likelihood ratio of 0.9, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.9 and an overall accuracy of 0.9. Squash-preparation cytology is considered an accurate diagnostic tool for distinguishing benign from malignant nasopharyngeal masses in cats. For differentiation of lymphoma and lymphoid reactions histopathological confirmation is recommended.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17869151/