Subcutaneous transmissible venereal tumor – case report

Abstract

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a specific cancer of the canine species that usually affects the genital region. Metastases occur by hematogenous or lymphatic routes. The extragenital form is rare and the cutaneous form is reported to be a warty proliferative lesion of ulcerated and friable surface, which usually presents itself concomitantly to the genital form of the disease. We hereby report a case of subcutaneous TVT in a mixed-breed neutered female, in order to contribute clinical and cytopathological data, as well as prognosis, due to unusual presentation of this neoplasm. The formation was disseminated as multiple nodule located on the inner face of the hind limbs. Diagnosis was achieved by cytological examination, which revealed the presence of round cells with predominantly eccentric nuclei, loose chromatin and large and intensely vacuolated cytoplasm, features of plasmacytoid TVT. Four courses of chemotherapy with vincristine sulfate were conducted, yielding complete remission of the tumor. The subcutaneous appearance of TVT is unusual, especially when no genital lesions that might suggest metastasis are found.