Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery removes mature teratoma tumor from young cat's head
By Van Goethem, Bart et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical resection of a mature teratoma on the head of a young cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old kitten was brought to the vet with a large mass near the left ear. After tests, including a CT scan, the vet decided to surgically remove the tumor, which involved some surrounding tissue. Although the kitten experienced temporary facial paralysis after the surgery, it healed well and looked good afterward. A follow-up three years later showed no signs of the tumor returning. This case highlights that surgical removal of certain types of tumors, like teratomas, can be very effective in young cats.
People also search for: kitten ear mass · cat tumor surgery recovery · teratoma in cats · facial paralysis in kittens · cat surgery outcomes
Abstract
A 4-month-old kitten was presented with a large mass over the temporal area involving the base of the left ear. Cytological evaluation of a fine-needle aspirate was not diagnostic. Computed tomography was used to determine tumor extent. Surgical resection was performed, which included parts of the orbital rim, masticatory muscles, the complete ear canal, and the pinna. Reconstruction of the ocular muscles was performed, and the skin defect was reconstructed using a single pedicle advancement flap. Despite unilateral facial paralysis, postoperative clinical function was excellent and aesthetics were good. Histological examination revealed the tumor to be a teratoma. After a follow-up period of 3 years, no signs of recurrence were evident. Extragonadal teratomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis when young animals are presented with a growing mass located outside the abdominal cavity. Surgical excision of a mature teratoma can be considered curative.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20194368/