Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tyrosinase gene expression in clear cell sarcoma indicates a melanocytic origin: insight from the first reported canine case.
- Journal:
- APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Cangul, I T et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathology · Netherlands
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a specific type of soft tissue tumor in a dog that appeared very similar to a human cancer called clear cell sarcoma, which is a form of malignant melanoma. The researchers found tiny structures called melanosomes in the tumor, suggesting it came from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. They also tested the tumor cells and found that they were expressing a gene called tyrosinase, which is typically associated with these types of cells. This case is significant because it shows that similar tumors can occur in different species, including dogs and humans. Overall, this research helps us understand more about these tumors and their origins.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize a metastasizing soft tissue tumor in a dog, which clinically, grossly and histologically showed a close resemblance to human clear cell sarcoma, a soft tissue variant of malignant melanoma. Ultrastructurally, melanosomes were found, indicating a melanocytic origin of the tumor. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, expression of the gene encoding tyrosinase was determined in tumor cells. With this first case of canine clear cell sarcoma, as well as the earlier report from our laboratory on amelanotic melanomas in the cat, we demonstrate that expression of the tyrosinase gene may occur in a broader range of less differentiated melanocytic tumors in different species, including man.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10598869/