Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mare's cheek swelling treated with radiation therapy - did it work?
By Saulez, M N et al.·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2009·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of Ir192 interstitial brachytherapy for an equine malignant dermal schwannoma.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare had a swelling in her cheek that came back three months after surgery to remove it. After tests showed a malignant tumor, the vet used a treatment called interstitial brachytherapy, which involved placing tiny radioactive wires in the tumor area to deliver targeted radiation. Although the mare experienced some side effects like skin irritation and a blocked tear duct, the good news is that ten months later, the tumor has not returned. This treatment could be a good option for similar cases where surgery isn't possible.
People also search for: horse cheek swelling treatment · equine malignant tumor therapy · brachytherapy for horses
Abstract
A 10-year-old Hanoverian mare was evaluated for a right buccal swelling that recurred 3 months following surgical resection. Ultrasonographic examination showed a broadly pedunculated subcutaneous mass at the level of 106-109 and 406-409 cheek teeth associated with an erosive mucosal lesion on the inside of the cheek. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen revealed a well-demarcated, malignant, dermal schwannoma. Following subcutaneous placement of platinum coated Ir192 wires under general anaesthesia, low-dose radiation of 5 gray per day was delivered for 14 days. Short-term complications included loss of patency of the right nasolacrimal duct, erythema, dermatitis, leukotrichia and left-sided deviation of the muzzle. Ten months later, there has been no tumour recurrence. Findings suggest that the use of interstitial brachytherapy should be considered for a malignant, dermal schwannoma that has recurred or is not amenable to surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20458871/