engleski

Limbocorneal squamous cell carcinoma with intraocular extension in an Eureopean Shorthair cat

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents a relatively common malignant feline tumor predominantly located on ear tips, eyelids, nose and in the oral cavity. Cats with non-pigmented skin are more likely to be predisposed. As far as ocular pathology is concerned, cornea and limbus are rare sites of SCC. An 11-year-old brindle white European Shorthair cat was presented with pinkish asymmetrical and poorly circumscribed mass affecting cornea and limbus. Ophthalmic examination excluded the involvement of other ocular and periocular structures. Corneal scraping was performed and cytological findings revealed clusters of polygonal, rarely elongated cells with roundish nuclei and a moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasm. Anisokaryosis and anisocytosis were moderate. These cells were accompanied by a moderate number of neutrophils. Suspicion of malignant epithelial neoplasia was made. One year later, enucleation of the affected eye was performed and the eyeball was submitted for histopathology. HE staining showed features of SCC which affected more than 90% of the ocular structures. Neoplastic cells were arranged in islands and anastomosing trabeculae of pleomorphic epithelial cells supported by a moderate fibrovascular stroma. Nuclei were roundish to oval with finely stippled chromatin and 1-3 prominent nucleoli. The cytoplasm was moderate to abundant, light eosinophilic. Mitotic figures were 1-5/HPF. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin and negative for Melan A so the diagnosis of SCC was made. SCC are relatively common feline tumors, with limbus and cornea as rare locations. Due to the infiltrative tumor growth, early diagnosis is necessary for targeted therapy and a better prognosis. Therefore, it should be one of the differential diagnoses for any limbocorneal mass.

limbocorneal squamous cell carcinoma ; cat

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