Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Metastasis to the Spleen in a Holstein Cow

Metastatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking tuberculosis in a cow

Here we describe a metastatic hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cholangiocellular carcinoma) in a 14-y-old Beefmaster cow that was euthanized because of depression and progressive weight loss. Gross changes included coalescing, white-to-yellow, firm-to-hard nodules with central areas of necrosis and mineralization that effaced much of the hepatic parenchyma, omentum, mesentery, ruminal serosa, and diaphragm. A fresh sample of a hepatic nodule was submitted for a modified acid-fast (MAF) stain during autopsy to rule out tuberculosis. The MAF stain was inconclusive, and the sample was subsequently submitted for a PCR assay for Mycobacterium spp. Histologically, all nodules consisted of a neoplastic proliferation of epithelial cells surrounded by extensive areas of desmoplasia, consistent with a metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. PCR for Mycobacterium spp. was negative. Although the histologic diagnosis in our case was metastatic hepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gross changes were strikingly similar to those described in cases of tuberculosis, highlighting the need to remain vigilant in the identification of zoonotic and suspected foreign animal diseases during autopsy to protect human health.

Pathological and Cytological Studies on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cattle Slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora Abattoir, Central Ethiopia

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common neoplasms that has been described in many domestic animal species. Hence, the disease has significant economic importance; thus, this study aimed to describe the cytopathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinomas in cattle slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora Abattoir, Central Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design with a purposive sampling technique was performed from October 2017 to May 2018 using macroscopic, histopathologic, and cytological methods. For that matter, a total of sixty cattle were assessed for the presence of a hepatic tumor; however, only 1/60 (0.6%) case was found to be affected by hepatocellular carcinomas. On gross examination, hepatocellular carcinomas exhibited soft, white, multifocal nodules (10–40 mm in diameter) on different lobes of the liver. On the cut surface, the tumor revealed a sharply circumscribed border and was divided into lobules by thin connective tissue. The central zone of the tumors exhibited depression with a whitish fibrous area. Moreover, on histopathology, the tumors divulged unencapsulated carcinomatous lesions consisting of a thick, compact, somewhat ambiguous trabecular pattern of arrangement that was unglued by thin collagenous stroma. Cytological studies suggest that the tumor cells showed anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, prominent nucleoli, multinuclearity, palisading arrangements of neoplastic cells, increased N : C ratios, light eosinophilic cytoplasm, high mitotic index, and cytoplasmic and intranuclear vacuoles. In conclusion, cytopathological findings support a diagnosis of HCC in the liver; thus, further studies with a large sample size and use of immunohistochemistry are important for further characterization of hepatocellular carcinomas in cattle.

Primary hepatic neoplasms in cattle

ABSTRACT: Primary hepatic neoplasms are mostly detected in cattle as incidental findings in slaughterhouses or diagnosed at the necropsy, wherein it may be related to the cause of death. A proper characterization of primary hepatic neoplasms is essential to provide an accurate diagnosis, especially at the slaughter lines, in order to reduce erroneous condemnations. This work aimed to characterize the gross, histological, and immunohistochemical features of primary liver neoplasms detected in slaughtered cattle in Southern Brazil. Nineteen primary hepatic neoplasms were identified. Grossly, these lesions were classified according to their distribution, as focal, multifocal, or diffuse. Histologically, the shape and arrangement of the cells, as well as possible malignant features were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also performed for biliary epithelium (anti-CK7) and hepatocytes (anti-Hep Par-1) markers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (84.2%) was the most frequently detected hepatic neoplasm, followed by cholangiocarcinoma (15.8%), and these were only identified in adult cows. Hepatocellular carcinomas occurred as solitary masses or multifocal nodules, which on the cut surface were often green. Cholangiocarcinomas occurred as multifocal nodules, occasionally showing an umbilicated appearance. Histologically, hepatocellular carcinomas had mostly trabecular and solid patterns, while cholangiocarcinomas presented mostly a solid arrangement. Upon IHC, all hepatocellular carcinomas were immunolabeled for anti-Hep Par-1, ranging from mild (25%), moderate (31.2%) to marked (43.7%), while immunolabeling for anti-CK7 was detected only in one case of cholangiocarcinoma.