Avian Keratoacanthoma (Dermal Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Broiler Chicken Carcasses

Abstract

trated on the morphologic appearance of the larger ulcerative lesions. In one study, examination of 419 lesions in an unspecified number ofcarcasses indicated no predilection for specific feather tracts; only 17 of these lesions appeared to be in wing tracts. 13 The present study was performed to characterize the location and appearance of nodular and ulcerative lesions in a large number ofcarcasses. Lesions were also examined histologically, and the histologic appearance of small nodular lesions was characterized. Through a retrospective study, the prevalence of multiple lesions at slaughter was examined in relation to individual flock production parameters and specific disease condemnations to identify associated environmental factors or diseases. Vet Pathol 30:265-270 (1993) Abstract. Multiple lesions of dermal squamous cell carcinoma are found at a low frequency (0.04%) in the carcasses of young meat-type chickens at slaughter. For this study, affected carcasses (n = 308) were removed from the processing line, and lesions were characterized by size, distribution, and morphology. Carcasses were also sexed and examined for evidence of metastasis. Nodular (n = 297) and ulcerative (n = 1,707) lesions were counted and examined. Most lesions were present in the pectoral, dorsopelvic, and femoral feather tracts. Few lesions (n = 11) were found in wing tracts. Mean diameter was 5.4 mm for ulcerative lesions and 3.1 mm for nodular lesions. Histologic sections of ulcerative (n = 579) and nodular (n = 113) lesions were examined. Small nodular lesions originated from hyperplastic feather follicle epithelium. Nodules contained keratin-filled cysts lined by squamous epithelium that were associated with isolated islands and infiltrating cords of dermal keratinocytes. Loss of surface epithelium resulted in noduloulcerative and ulcerative lesions. Invasion of underlying skeletal muscle and evidence of visceral metastasis were not present, but invasion through elastic laminae and into the subcutis was present in 20.5% (134/654) of the lesions examined. The nodular lesions in these carcasses were morphologically similar to early nodular lesions previously described in live chickens as avian keratoacanthomas. A retrospective study compared selected production parameters and disease condemnations to the prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma in 665 flocks of broiler chickens. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.000 I) with the occurrence of airsacculitis but a negative correlation with increased age and condemnations for leukosis (P < 0.000 I). Tumor frequency followed a pronounced seasonal pattern, with decreased prevalence in summer months.Key words: Avian; broilers; chickens; keratoacanthoma; skin neoplasms; squamous cell carcinoma.Neoplasms of epithelial origin are rare among avian species.t' Lesions discovered at slaughter in the skin of broiler carcasses have been described as ulcerative,2,7,8,13 noduloulcerative, and nodular.' These lesions have been histologically diagnosed as squamous cell carcinomas.2,7,13 Carca...

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in two loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta

“…In avian species, it has been detected most frequently in chickens (Hafner et al 1993, Latimer 1994. SCC has also been reported in several amphibian species (Green & Harshbarger 2001, Harshbarger & Trauth 2002.…”

Dermal squamous cell carcinoma (avian keratoacanthoma) in parakeets

“…On the other hand; dermal squamous cell carcinoma (DSCC; avian keratoacanthoma) is a neoplastic skin lesion with unknown etiology (5,6,7,11). DSCC is generally encountered in broiler chickens during slaughtering (10) and is differed from true squamous cell carcinoma by not showing malignancy and regression with the time progress (5).…”

“…Having similar histological appearance with the squamous cell carcinoma of mammalian species, showing different characteristics; DSCC cases are mainly encountered in broilers during slaughtering (5,6,7,8,10). It is interesting to observe DSCC in eight parakeets when considered that they are mainly reported from broilers.…”

“…(6,7,10). It is hard to make a comment as there were not enough materials but in our cases the birds were four or older than four years old mainly except for only one case with seven months old.…”

Primary lung squamous cell carcinoma in a lary breed cock (gallus gallus domesticus) with multiple skin metastases

“…Papilloma virus infection, trauma and chronic inflammation are also associated or etiologic factors. These tumours are usually locally invasive and slow to metastasise (Hafner et al, 1993).…”