Malignant mixed tumor in the salivary gland of a cat

J Vet Sci. 2008 Sep;9(3):331-3. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2008.9.3.331.

Abstract

The presence of a malignant mixed tumor, also known as a carcinosarcoma, in the salivary gland is very rare. Such tumors, which are typically aggressive, are characterized by the presence of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. A 9-year-old neutered female domestic short-haired cat presented with swelling in the right mandibular lesion that had rapidly enlarged over the previous 3 weeks. Physical examination revealed a large, fluctuated and painless subcutaneous swelling that was associated with a firm mass. Radiographs of the head revealed a soft-tissue density that involved faint circular calcific opacity. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the peripheral capsulated cystic area had a contrast enhanced region without bone lysis. The cat received a total excision of the mass and postoperative radiotherapy. Histopathological analysis of the mass revealed that it was a malignant mixed tumor. Metastasis to the lung was discovered 7 weeks later, at which time treatment was stopped.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Adenocarcinoma / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cat Diseases / pathology*
  • Cats
  • Chondrosarcoma / pathology
  • Chondrosarcoma / surgery
  • Chondrosarcoma / veterinary*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology
  • Radiography, Thoracic / veterinary
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / veterinary*