Tracheal carcinosarcoma (true malignant mixed tumour) in a Belgian Blue heifer

J Comp Pathol. 2005 Feb-Apr;132(2-3):237-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2004.09.001. Epub 2005 Jan 7.

Abstract

This report describes a case of a carcinosarcoma or true malignant mixed tumour (salivary gland type) of the trachea in a Belgian Blue heifer. At post-mortem examination a nodular, well-circumscribed, firmly attached mass was found in the tracheal wall, severely compressing the tracheal lumen. Histologically the tumour was biphasic, with varying proportions of epithelial elements dispersed throughout a matrix showing varying degrees of myxo-chondroid and cartilaginous differentiation. The histological features of the tumour were consistent with a combination of an adenoid cystic carcinoma and a chondrosarcoma. Immunolabelling demonstrated smooth muscle actin in the cytoplasm of both the epithelial and mesenchymal components, thus fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for a mixed tumour. To our knowledge this is the first report of a mixed tumour of the trachea in a domestic animal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actins / analysis
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / chemistry
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / veterinary*
  • Carcinosarcoma / chemistry
  • Carcinosarcoma / pathology
  • Carcinosarcoma / veterinary*
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / pathology*
  • Chondrosarcoma / chemistry
  • Chondrosarcoma / pathology
  • Chondrosarcoma / veterinary*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Immunohistochemistry / veterinary
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tracheal Neoplasms / veterinary*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biomarkers, Tumor