Feline Facial Spindle Cell Tumors in 29 Cats: Histomorphological and Immunohistochemical Characterization

TL;DR

This study examines facial tumors in cats, finding that many are nerve sheath tumors and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis using specific markers.

Contribution

The study introduces a new histomorphologic finding and emphasizes the diagnostic value of the Sox10 marker in feline facial tumors.

Findings

Most facial spindle cell tumors in cats were identified as peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs).

Only a few tumors previously thought to be sarcoids were confirmed by BPV14 testing.

A novel histomorphologic pattern, periadnexal whorling, was observed in feline facial PNSTs.

Abstract

This study aims to characterize soft tissue tumors/sarcomas (STSs) occurring on the faces of cats using histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular (PCR) techniques. By examining 34 tumors from 29 cats, we found that many were peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), identified by specific protein markers. Interestingly, only a few tumors thought to be sarcoids were confirmed by testing for BPV14. This highlights the need for careful diagnostic methods to correctly identify these tumors. Some tumors appeared as unusual lesions on the face, not typical masses, pointing out an important clue for clinicians. The study also introduces a new observation in tumor cells’ pattern and underscores the value of the Sox10 marker in diagnosing PNSTs in cats, offering new insights for veterinary pathologists.

Soft tissue tumors/sarcomas (STSs) in felines, encompassing a variety of mesenchymal tumors with similar histomorphological features, present diagnostic challenges due to their diverse cellular origins and the overlap with other tumor types such as feline sarcoid. This study aimed to delineate the clinical, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of 34 feline facial spindle cell tumors affecting 29 cats, including testing for bovine papillomavirus type 14 (BPV14), the virus causing feline sarcoids. Only five out of 12 tumors previously diagnosed as feline sarcoids based on histomorphology were confirmed by PCR for BPV14, underscoring the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches to accurately distinguish between STSs and feline sarcoids. This study shows that most facial spindle cell tumors were compatible with peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) based on positive immunohistochemical staining for Sox10 and other immunohistochemical markers such as GFAP, NSE, and S100. Some of these tumors displayed as multiple independent masses on the face or as erosive and ulcerative lesions without obvious mass formation, an atypical presentation and an important highlight for general practitioners, dermatologists, and oncologists. This study also describes periadnexal whorling of neoplastic cells as a novel histomorphologic finding in feline facial PNSTs and emphasizes Sox10 as a useful complementary immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of facial PNST in cats, providing valuable insights for veterinary pathologists.

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