Modern Imaging Techniques in the Study and Disease Diagnosis of the Mammary Glands of Animals

Abstract

The study of the structure and function of the animals’ mammary glands is of key importance, as it reveals pathological processes at their onset, thus contributing to their immediate treatment. The most frequently studied mammary diseases are mastitis in cows and ewes and mammary tumours in dogs and cats. Various imaging techniques such as computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonographic techniques (Doppler, contrast-enchanced, three-dimensional and elastography) are available and can be applied in research or clinical practice in order to evaluate possible abnormalities in mammary glands, as well as to assist in the differential diagnosis. In this review, the above imaging technologies are described, and the perspectives of each method are highlighted. It is inferred that ultrasonographic modalities are the most frequently used imaging techniques for the diagnosis of clinical or subclinical mastitis and treatment guidance on a farm. In companion animals, a combination of imaging techniques should be applied for a more accurate diagnosis of mammary tumours. In any case, the confirmation of the diagnosis is provided by laboratory techniques.

Mammary carcinoma: Comparative oncology between small animals and humans—New therapeutic tools

“…Louder treatment plans, including neoadjuvant systemic therapy, mastectomy and breast reconstruction, postoperative chemotherapy and targeted therapy, are otherwise indicated (tumour >2 cm, positive node or aggressive BC phenotype) (Cardoso et al, 2019). A progress in canine/feline MC management would be achieved if treatment plans were adapted to systematically defined cancer stages by histopathology (tumour, node) and medical imaging (for distant metastases) (Barbagianni & Gouletsou, 2023; Chocteau, Abadie, et al, 2019; Chocteau, Boulay, et al, 2019). The main aim of adapting treatment to cancer stage is to avoid overtreatment of in situ or localized disease, and undertreatment of locoregional or advanced disease.…”