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.

Metastatic cholangiocarcinoma mimicking tuberculosis in a cow

“…11,19 The clinical signs in our case were nonspecific but likely associated with the presence of tumors in the liver and other abdominal organs. 19 In cattle, hepatocellular neoplasms are more frequently reported than cholangiocellular neoplasms. 5,19 Hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas typically consist of single, well-demarcated, dark-red to brown masses that efface one hepatic lobe or multiple masses distributed throughout the liver.…”

“…1,2,[4][5][6]11,19 Although most cases occur as incidental findings in the slaughterhouse, 1,3,6,10 tumors can occasionally lead to clinical signs associated with hepatic failure. 11,19 The clinical signs in our case were nonspecific but likely associated with the presence of tumors in the liver and other abdominal organs. 19 In cattle, hepatocellular neoplasms are more frequently reported than cholangiocellular neoplasms.…”

“…5,19 In addition, diffuse hepatocellular carcinomas efface the entire hepatic parenchyma. 5,19 Hepatocellular carcinomas can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph nodes, lungs, and spleen. 1,10,19 Cholangiocellular adenomas are exceedingly rare and are characterized typically as a single, well-demarcated, yellow tumor.…”

“…5,19 Hepatocellular carcinomas can metastasize to regional lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph nodes, lungs, and spleen. 1,10,19 Cholangiocellular adenomas are exceedingly rare and are characterized typically as a single, well-demarcated, yellow tumor. 2,4 As evidenced by our case, cholangiocarcinomas (cholangiocellular carcinomas) can occur as multiple, irregular, yellow, firm nodules distributed throughout the parenchyma.…”

“…5,11,19 Metastases have been reported in regional lymph nodes, lungs, and peritoneum. 1,19 In our case, full characterization of metastatic sites was not completed as a result of the rapid inspection and disposal of the carcass after suspicion of tuberculosis. However, other than the previously mentioned primary and metastatic lesions, gross inspection did not reveal lesions in other organs.…”