Neoplasia

Question 1

What is the aetiology of mast cell tumours?

Answer 1

neoplasia affecting mast cells
Predisposing breeds: beagles, boxer golden retriever
Differing grades dependant on severity; from benign to highly malignant.
Mast cell tumours form roughly 20% of skin tumours in dogs

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of mast cell tumours?

Answer 2

mast cells undergo malignant transformation, behaviour varies between grades.
Degranulation of mast cells in the tumour can lead to systemic signs. Often these are skin tumours.
Occasionally found in the GIT, spleen or bone marrow.
Graded 1-3 according to how well differentiated cells are – grade 3 has the poorest prognosis

Question 3

What are clinical signs of mast cell tumours?

Answer 3

benign or low grade, small slow growing masses in the skin.

Higher grade masses, have swelling, inflammation and ulceration

Question 4

How are mast cell tumours diagnosed?

Answer 4

FNA, confirms diagnosis
Biopsy – assesses grade, may be incisional or excisional
Evaluate local lymph nodes to assist in grading
Imaging, detection of MST

Question 5

What is the aetiology of mammary tumours?

Answer 5

Most common in older entrie females
Common in dogs but can be seen in cats and rabbits
In cats mammary tumours carry poor prognosis as they are often malignant and aggressive intheir behaviour.
There are many different types of mammary tumours in dogs, 50% benign and 50% malignant

Question 6

What is the pathophysiology of mammary tumours?

Answer 6

Neoplastic transformation of mammary tissues, may be localised or spread to adjacent lymph nodes and lungs depending on degree of malignacy

Question 7

What are clinical signs of mammary tumours?

Answer 7

Irregular masses
Painful
May ulcerate
Vary in size and distribution 
Animals may cough or show respiratory signs

Question 8

How are mammary tumours diagnosed?

Answer 8

Usually excised and sent for histopathology
FNA could be performed
Biopsy/FNA for local lymph nodes
Imaging to detect mets