Oviduct Adenocarcinoma in Some Species of Captive Snakes

Abstract

Abstract. This article reports 5 cases of oviduct adenocarcinoma in adult captive snakes from Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. This neoplasm was found in 1 of each of the following species: emerald tree boa (Corallus caninus), Amazonian tree boa (Corallus enydris enydris), Burmese rock python (Python molurus bivittatus), Northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus), and corn snake (Elaphe guttata). Grossly, tan to red firm masses were found within oviducts in 3 cases. In an additional 2 cases, the primary tumor was detected only histologically. Microscopically, neoplasms were papillary, and often extended transmurally. The neoplastic cells were polygonal and organized in acini or cords, with often abundant fibrovascular stroma. Hemorrhages and necrosis were present in all cases. Inflammation, myxomatous material, desmoplasia, and bacteria were often observed. Histologic evidence of metastasis was present in all cases. Solid metastases were seen in all animals except the Northern pine snake and involved several organs including the liver, lung, and heart. Emboli of neoplastic cells were observed in all animals but the Burmese rock python and corn snake.

Comparative study of tumorigenesis and tumor immunity in invertebrates and nonmammalian vertebrates

“…In reptiles, among the large variety of neoplasias reported, one can mention a metastatic oviduct adenocarcinoma in snakes (e.g., Boa [86]), and a fibropapillomatosis likely caused by a herpes virus in sea turtles [87, 88]. Herpesvirus-associated papillomatosis has just recently been described in the green lizard, Lacerta viridis , ([89]).…”

Pathology in Practice

“…3 This type of tumor has been identified in 5 snakes from the collection at the Smithsonian' s National Zoological Park. 4 Oviduct or fallopian tube carcinomas develop in humans. Such tumors are relatively uncommon, with an incidence of 3.6 cases/1,000,000 women/y in the United States and 40 reported cases in women annually in the United Kingdom.…”

Oral adenocarcinoma observed in Boa constrictor maintained in captivity

“…Subcutaneously located spinal cell sarcoma has also been reported by Marcello, Maciel, Ribeiro, Caliari and Cassali (2002) in jararaca (Bothrops leucurus), kept in captivity for seven years. Pereira and Viner (2008) reported the occurrence of oviduct adenocarcinoma in five captive snakes, with the presence of metastasis in all cases. Additionally, our present study and others involving malignant neoplasms describe the presence of hemorrhage, necrosis and inflammation.…”