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Histiocytoma in Cats

The Langerhans cells are immune cells that function to provide protective immunity to the tissues that are in contact with the outer environment -- the nose, stomach, intestines and lungs, but mainly the skin's surface. These cells are also referred to as dendritic cells, and histiocytes. A histiocytoma is a benign skin tumor that originates in the Langerhans cells.

Histiocytomas are rare in cats, but its occurrence is not limited by breed, age or gender.

Symptoms

• Small, firm, dome or button-shaped masses on the skin surface
• Rare autoimmune blistering (dermoepithelial) masses, which may be ulcerated
• Fast growing, nonpainful, usually solitary
• Common sites are the head, ears, and limbs
• Occasionally multiple skin nodules or plaques

Causes

Unknown

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat's health and onset of symptoms, after which your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis and an electrolyte panel. Most of these tests return as normal.

Other diagnostic tests include a cytologic examination (a microscopic examination of the cells) using a sample gathered by fine-needle aspirate. This may reveal pleomorphic round cells (cells taking one or more forms), with variable-sized and -shaped nuclei. It is common to find that the mitotic index (a measure of the proliferation, or fast production status of a cell population) is high. The tests may also show evidence of substantial lymphocyte (white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system), plasma cell, and neutrophil (the most abundant type of white blood cells) infiltration.

Treatment

Since some treatments can adversely affect malignant tumors, important to differentiate histiocytoma, a benign growth of tissue, from a malignant tumor. Your veterinarian will talk to you about this, and will give you the option of taking a wait-and-see approach. If you do have the tumor diagnosed conclusively, and it is found to be a histiocytoma, the usual method of treatment is surgical excision of the mass, or cryosurgery, which is conducted with a laser. Either one is generally curative.

If the mass is left alone, it may spontaneously regress within three months. This is a decision that you will have to make once you have been informed of every possible eventuality, and every treatment method that is available for your cat.

Living and Management

Surgical excision of the mass is recommended if the mass has not spontaneously regressed within three months. With removal of the mass, the long-term prognosis is generally excellent.