Difference between revisions of "Hepatic Neoplasia"

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{{Unfinished}}
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==Description==
 +
Primary hepatic tumours are rare, accounting for less than 1.5% of all canine tumours and 1.0-2.9% of all feline tumours. However, the liver is a common site for the establishment of metastatic tumours due to its rich blood supply from the hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery.  In dogs, hepatic neoplasia are 2.5 times more likely to be metastases than primary neoplasia whereas primary hepatobillary tumours are more frequent than metastatic tumours in cats.
  
{{cat}}
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Malignant tumours are more common in dogs but benign neoplasia are more common in cats.  Primary tumours found in the liver include:
{{dog}}
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* [[Carcinoma#Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular carcinoma]] or [[Adenoma#Hepatocytic|adenoma]] (hepatoma)
 +
* [[Carcinoma#Cholangiocellular|Cholangiocellular carcinoma]] or [[Adenoma #Cholangiocellular|cystadenoma]]
 +
* Gall bladder carcinoma or adenoma
 +
* [[Haemangiosarcoma|Haemangiosarcoma]]
 +
* Mast cell tumour
 +
* Hepatic carcinoids (neuroendocrine)
 +
* Lymphoma
  
* Primary hepatic tumours are rare (less than 1.5% of all canine tumours and 1.0-2.9% of all feline tumours) * However, the liver is a common site of metastatic tumours due to the rich blood supply (hapatic portal vein and hepatic artery)
+
Care must be taken to distinguish between all hepatic tumours and [[Liver - Nodular Hyperplasia|'''benign nodular hyperplasia''']] which is frequently observed in older dogs. The most significant primary tumours in the dog are hepatomas, [[Carcinoma #Hepatocytic|hepatocellular]] and [[Carcinoma#Cholangiocellular|cholangiocellular]] carcinomas and hepatic carcinoids. [[Carcinoma#Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular carcinomas]] and  [[Carcinoma#Cholangiocellular|cholangiocellular carcinomas]] are the most significant tumours to occur in cats.  
* In dogs, metastasis to the liver is 2.5 times more likely than primary neoplasia
 
* In cats, primary hepatobillary tumours are more frequent than metastatic tumours
 
* Malignant tumours are more common in dogs
 
* Benign tumours are more common in cats
 
* Malignant primary tumours include:
 
** [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular carcinoma]]
 
** [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Cholangiocellular|Cholangiocellular carcinoma]]
 
** Gall bladder carcinoma
 
** [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Haemangiosarcoma|Haemangiosarcoma]]
 
** Mast cell tumour
 
** Hepatic carcinoids (neuroendocrine)
 
* Benign tumours include:
 
** [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular adenoma]] (hepatoma)
 
** [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Cholangiocellular|Cholangiocellular adenoma]]
 
** Gall bladder adenoma
 
Note: Distinction must be made between all hepatic tumours and [[Liver Unknown Aetiology - Pathology #Nodular hyperplasia|benign nodular hyperplasia]] that is frequently observed in the older canine. The most significant primary tumours in the dog are hepatomas, [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular]] and [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Cholangiocellular|Cholangiocellular]] carcinomas and hepatic carcinoids. [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular carcinoma]] and  [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Cholangiocellular|Cholangiocellular carcinoma]] are the most significant in cats.  
 
  
 +
==Signalment==
 +
===Hepatocellular Tumours===
 +
Hepatocellular tumours include [[Carcinoma#Hepatocytic|hepatocellular '''carcinomas''']] (HCC) and [[Adenoma#Hepatocytic|'''hepatomas''']].  HCC occurs more frequently in dogs but hepatomas are more common in cats. These are the most common primary liver tumour in dogs and the second most common in cats.
  
==Diagnosis==
+
Male dogs over 10 years old are most frequently affected by HCC and the Miniature schnauzer breed may be predisposed to the disease.  The metastatic rate of hepatocellular tumours depends on the nature of the mass, with massive tumours spreading at a rate of 0-37% and nodular or diffuse tumours metastasising in 93-100% of cases. The most common sites of metastasis are the regional lymph nodes (the hepatic and diaphragmatic nodes), the peritoneum and lungs.  [[Adenoma#Hepatocytic|Hepatomas]]) are usually incidental findings but they may cause hypoglycaemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
Symptomatic in approximately 75% of dogs and 50% of cats, particularly if malignant.
 
===Clinical signs===
 
* Usually non-specific:
 
** Weight loss
 
** Inappetance
 
** Lethargy
 
** Polyuria-Polydipsia
 
** Vomiting
 
** Ascites
 
* Neurological Signs - seizures, ataxia and weakness occur less frequently. They may be due to metastasis to the central nervous system, [[Hepatic Encephalopathy|hepatic encephalopathy]] or hypoglycaemia which can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome
 
* Icterus - Particularly in dogs with extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas and diffuse carcinoids
 
  
===Physical Examination===
+
===Cholangiocellular Tumours ===
* Cranial abdominal mass - palpable in up to 75% of cats and dogs
+
Cholangiocellular tumours include bile duct '''carcinomas''' and '''adenomas'''.  Bile duct carcinomas are the most common malignant hepatobillary tumours in cats and the second most frequent in dogs, with female animals possibly being predisposed.  Intra-hepatic carcinomas are more frequent in dogs but in cats, it is unclear whether extra-hepatic masses occur more frequently or whether intra- and extra-hepatic masses occur with equal frequency.
  
===Haematology and Biochemistry===
+
Bile duct carcinomas are aggressive and they often metastasise to distant sites. In dogs, these metastases are most common in the regional lymph nodes and lungs but diffuse intra-peritoneal metastasis and carcinomatosis are more common in cats.  Bile duct adenomas (also known as biliary or hepatobiliary cystadenomas) are common in cats, particularly in males.  These tumours are generally insignificant unless they of sufficient size to compress surrounding soft tissue structures and cause [[Biliary Tract Obstruction|biliary tract obstruction]].
* Usually non-specific. The following are frequently observed in dogs:
 
** Mild non-regenerative anaemia - cause idiopathic, however anaemia of chronic disease, inflammation, red blood cell sequestration and iron deficiency may play roles
 
** Leukocytosis - resulting from the associated inflammation and necrosis that can occur with large liver masses
 
** Thrombocytosis - potential causes include production of thrombopoietin as a parneoplastic syndrome, iron deficiency, inflammatory cytokines and anaemia
 
* Elevated hepatic enzymes - likely due to hepatocellular damage or biliary stasis though the extent of enzyme increase is not proportional to severity of liver damage
 
* Hypoalbuminaemia
 
* Hyperglobulinaemia
 
* Hypoglycaemia - can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome where there is increased utilisation of glucose or increased production of hormones with insulin-like activity.
 
* Elevated pre- and postprandial bile acids
 
  
* The following have been observed in cats:
+
===Carcinoids===
** Azotaemia
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Carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumours that usually occur in younger animals than do the other primary hepatobiliary tumours.  Primary tumours are aggressive and often affect more than one liver lobe with frequent metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, lungs and peritoneum.
** Elevated hepatic enzymes
 
** Elevated serum bilirubin - particularly in those with hepatocellular carcinoma
 
  
===Plain Abdominal Radiography===
+
===Sarcomas===
Hepatomegaly and rounding of the margins of the liver may be observed. Alternatively a cranial abdominal mass may be visible with displacement of the stomach caudally and laterally with massive hepatic neoplasms. Occasionally mineralisation of the biliary tree is observed in dogs with cholangiocellular carcinoma. Three thoracic views should also be taken to assess lung metastasis although this is uncommon at the time of diagnosis.
+
The most common sarcomas encountered are [[Haemangiosarcoma|'''haemangiosarcomas''']] (HSA), '''leiomyosarcomas''' and '''fibrosarcomas'''. HSA is the most common hepatic sarcoma in cats whereas leiomyosarcomas are more common in dogs. These tumours are aggressive and metastasis to the spleen and lungs is frequently observed.
 
 
===Ultrasonography===
 
Advised to evaluate the condition of surrounding structures. It also allows classification of the mass as massive, nodular or diffuse. Doppler techniques can also be utilised to assess the vascular structure of tumours. Guided fine-needle aspirates or core biopsies can also be taken at this time (a coagulation profile is highly recommended prior to performing a liver biopsy due to risk of haemorrhage). If the lesion is solitary and massive surgical resection without preoperative biopsy is usually undertaken as diagnosis and treatemnt are accomplished in one procedure.
 
 
 
===Advanced Imaging===
 
CT and MRI are more sensitive in detecting small lesions and confirming the relationship of the mass with surrounding tissues and vasculature.
 
 
 
===Abdominocentesis===
 
Cytological examination of the sediment may reveal neoplastic cells. Effusions are usually modified transudates and haemorrhage may indicate tumour rupture.
 
  
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==Diagnosis==
 +
Tumours are symptomatic in approximately 75% of dogs and 50% of cats and this is more likely to be the case with malignant neoplasia.
 +
===Clinical signs===
 +
Signs are usually non-specific or they may indicate a disease of the liver:
 +
*'''Weight loss''', inappetance and lethargy.
 +
*'''Polyuria''' and '''polydipsia'''.
 +
*'''[[Vomiting]]'''
 +
*'''[[Modified Transudate|Ascites]]''' due to the development of portal hypertension.
 +
*'''Neurological signs''', including seizures, ataxia and weakness are not as common as the signs described above. They may be due to metastasis to the central nervous system, [[Hepatic Encephalopathy|hepatic encephalopathy]] or hypoglycaemia which can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
 +
*'''[[Icterus]]''' occurs particularly in dogs with extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas and diffuse carcinoids.
 +
*A '''cranial abdominal mass''' will be palpable in up to 75% of cats and dogs
  
==Signalment and Description==
+
===Laboratory Tests===
===Hepatocellular Tumours ([[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatocellular carcinomas]] (HCC) and [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatomas]])===
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The results of blood samples are usually unremarkable but the following findings may be documented in affected animals:
* HCC occurs more frequently in dogs and hepatomas more commonly in cats. They are the most common primary liver tumour in dogs and the second most common in cats.  
+
*Mild '''non-regenerative anaemia''' of unknown cause.  The anaemia may be caused by anaemia of chronic disease, inflammation, red blood cell sequestration and iron deficiency may play roles
* Male dogs over 10 years old are the most frequently affected by HCC and Miniature schnauzers may have a breed predisposition.
+
*'''Leucocytosis''' resulting from the associated inflammation and necrosis that can occur with large liver masses.
* Regional lymph nodes (hepatic and diaphragmatic nodes), peritoneum and lungs are the most frequent sites of metastasis in dogs with nodular and diffuse HCC.
+
*'''Thrombocytosis''', of which potential causes include production of thrombopoietin as a paraneoplastic syndrome, iron deficiency, production of inflammatory cytokines and presence of concurrent anaemia.
* Metastatic rate for dogs with massive HCC: 0-37%
+
*Elevation in the blood levels of '''hepatic enzymes''' probably occurs due to hepatocellular damage or biliary stasis.  The extent of the elevation is not proportional to severity of liver damage.
* Metastatic rate for dogs with nodular and diffuse HCC: 93-100%
+
*'''[[Hypoalbuminaemia]]''' due to reduced hepatic synthesis of albumin.
* [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|Hepatomas]]) are usually incidental findings and non-significant
+
*'''Hyperglobulinaemia''' due to a chronic inflammatory process.
 +
*'''Hypoglycaemia''' can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome where there is increased utilisation of glucose or increased production of hormones with insulin-like activity (such as the somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors).
 +
*Elevated pre- and post-prandial '''[[Bile acids|bile acids]]'''
 +
*[[Bilirubin|'''Hyperbilirubinaemia]]''' which may be sufficiently severe to cause [[Icterus|icterus]].
  
===Cholangiocellular Tumours (Bile duct carcinomas and adenomas)===
+
===Diagnostic Imaging===
* Bile duct carcinomas are the most common malignant hepatobillary tumours in cats and the second most frequent in dogs and females may be predisposed
+
====Radiography====
* Intrahepatic carcinomas are more frequent in dogs. In cats there have been reports of both equal occurrence of intra-and extrahepatic tumours and of a extrahepatic dominance.
+
'''Plain radiographs of the abdomen''' may show hepatomegaly and rounding of the margins of the liver. With massive hepatic neoplasia, a cranial abdominal mass may be visible with displacement of the stomach caudally and laterally. Mineralisation of the biliary tree is occasionally observed in dogs with cholangiocellular carcinoma. Ideally, all three thoracic views should also be taken to assess for the presence of pulmonary metastases, although this finding is uncommon at the time of diagnosis.
* Bile duct carcinomas are aggressive with metastasis to particularly the regional lymph nodes and lungs frequently being observed in dogs and diffuse intraperitoneal metastasis and carcinomatosis being common in cats.
 
* Bile duct adenomas (also known as biliary or hepatobiliary cystadenomas) are common in cats, particularly males.
 
* Bile duct adenomas are non-significant unless they of sufficient size to compress surrounding soft tissue structures
 
  
===Carcinoids (Neuroendocrine Tumours)===
+
====Ultrasonography====
* Usually occur in younger animals compared with other primary hepatobiliary tumours.
+
An abdominal ultrasound scan is advised to evaluate the condition of structures surrounding the liver. It also allows classification of the mass as massive, nodular or diffuse. Doppler techniques can be utilised to assess the vascular structure of tumours and guided fine-needle aspirates or core biopsies can be taken at this time, although it is desirable to await the results of a coagulation profile before undertaking this procedure.  It is traditionally stated that hepatic lymphoma produces a hyperechoic texture on an ultrasound scan.  
* Primary tumours are aggressive and often affect more than one liver lobe and metastasise most frequently to the regional lymph nodes, the lungs and peritoneum.  
 
  
===Sarcomas ([[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Haemangiosarcoma|Haemangiosarcoma]] (HSA), Leiomyosarcoma, Fibrosarcoma)===
+
====Advanced Imaging====
* HSA is the most common hepatic sarcoma in cats
+
CT and MRI are more sensitive in detecting small lesions and confirming the relationship of the mass with surrounding tissues and vasculature. They may also be used to detect early metastases.
* Leiomyosarcoma is the most common hepatic sarcoma in dogs
 
* These tumours are aggressive and metastasis to the spleen and lungs is frequently observed.
 
  
 +
===Other Tests===
 +
Cytological examination of ascitic fluid may reveal the presence of neoplastic cells. Effusions are usually [[Modified Transudate|modified transudates]] but [[Haemorrhagic Effusion|haemorrhage]] may indicate that the tumour has ruptured.
  
 
==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
 
===Surgery===
 
===Surgery===
Surgical excision is advised for hepatic adenomas, bile duct adenomas and massive [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|hepatocellular carcinomas]]. Nodulectomy or lobectomy can be used for focal tumours of one or more lobes. Diffuse tumours and widespread nodular disease carry a worse prognosis.
+
Surgical excision is advised for hepatic adenomas, bile duct adenomas and massive [[Carcinoma#Hepatocytic|hepatocellular carcinomas]]. Nodulectomy or lobectomy can be used for focal tumours involving only one or a small number of lobes. Diffuse tumours and widespread nodular disease carry a poorer prognosis and they have frequently metastasised by the time they are diagnosed.
  
 
===Chemotherapy===
 
===Chemotherapy===
Not currently recommended for primary hepatic neoplasia. Some metastatic sarcomas, for example [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Haemangiosarcoma|haemangiosarcomas]], may show some response.
+
This treatment modality is not recommended for primary hepatic neoplasia. Some metastatic sarcomas, such as [[Haemangiosarcoma|haemangiosarcomas]], may show some response.
  
 
===Radiotherapy===
 
===Radiotherapy===
Not reported. Surrounding abdominal organs may show poor tolerance.
+
This procedure is not undertaken as it involves irradiating the entire abdomen and some surrounding organs may show poor tolerance.
 
 
  
 
==Prognosis==
 
==Prognosis==
The mean survival time for massive [[Liver Proliferative - Pathology #Hepatocytic|hepatocellular carcinomas]] following surgery is approximately 1 year. Otherwise the prognosis is poor for other malignant and metastatic tumours. If successfully excised the prognosis for benign tumours is good.
+
The median survival time for massive [[Carcinoma#Hepatocytic|hepatocellular carcinomas]] following surgery is approximately 1 year. Otherwise the prognosis is poor for other types of malignant and metastatic tumours. If successfully excised the prognosis for benign tumours is good.
  
 +
{{Learning
 +
|Vetstream = [https://www.vetstream.com/canis/Content/Disease/dis01101.asp Liver: neoplasia in canines]<br>[https://www.vetstream.com/felis/Content/Disease/dis01101.asp Primary hepatic neoplasia in felines]
 +
}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 +
* Morris J, Dobson J (2001) Gastrointestinal Tract, in Small Animal Oncology, Blackwell Science, pp 137-140
  
* Morris J, Dobson J (2001) Gastrointestinal Tract, in Small Animal Oncology, Blackwell Science, pp 137-140
 
 
* Liptak J. M, Withrow S.J, (2007), Cancer of the Gastrointestinal Tract, in Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, fourth edition, Eds Withrow S.J, Vail D.M, Missouri, Saunders Elsevier, pp 483-489
 
* Liptak J. M, Withrow S.J, (2007), Cancer of the Gastrointestinal Tract, in Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, fourth edition, Eds Withrow S.J, Vail D.M, Missouri, Saunders Elsevier, pp 483-489
 +
 +
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{{Unfinished}}
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[[Category:Liver_-_Proliferative_Pathology]]
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[[Category:Neoplasia]]
 +
[[Category:To_Do_-_Alimentary]][[Category:To Do - Major]]
 +
[[Category:Liver Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Liver Diseases - Cat]]

Latest revision as of 20:32, 25 June 2016

Description

Primary hepatic tumours are rare, accounting for less than 1.5% of all canine tumours and 1.0-2.9% of all feline tumours. However, the liver is a common site for the establishment of metastatic tumours due to its rich blood supply from the hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery. In dogs, hepatic neoplasia are 2.5 times more likely to be metastases than primary neoplasia whereas primary hepatobillary tumours are more frequent than metastatic tumours in cats.

Malignant tumours are more common in dogs but benign neoplasia are more common in cats. Primary tumours found in the liver include:

Care must be taken to distinguish between all hepatic tumours and benign nodular hyperplasia which is frequently observed in older dogs. The most significant primary tumours in the dog are hepatomas, hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinomas and hepatic carcinoids. Hepatocellular carcinomas and cholangiocellular carcinomas are the most significant tumours to occur in cats.

Signalment

Hepatocellular Tumours

Hepatocellular tumours include hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and hepatomas. HCC occurs more frequently in dogs but hepatomas are more common in cats. These are the most common primary liver tumour in dogs and the second most common in cats.

Male dogs over 10 years old are most frequently affected by HCC and the Miniature schnauzer breed may be predisposed to the disease. The metastatic rate of hepatocellular tumours depends on the nature of the mass, with massive tumours spreading at a rate of 0-37% and nodular or diffuse tumours metastasising in 93-100% of cases. The most common sites of metastasis are the regional lymph nodes (the hepatic and diaphragmatic nodes), the peritoneum and lungs. Hepatomas) are usually incidental findings but they may cause hypoglycaemia as a paraneoplastic syndrome.

Cholangiocellular Tumours

Cholangiocellular tumours include bile duct carcinomas and adenomas. Bile duct carcinomas are the most common malignant hepatobillary tumours in cats and the second most frequent in dogs, with female animals possibly being predisposed. Intra-hepatic carcinomas are more frequent in dogs but in cats, it is unclear whether extra-hepatic masses occur more frequently or whether intra- and extra-hepatic masses occur with equal frequency.

Bile duct carcinomas are aggressive and they often metastasise to distant sites. In dogs, these metastases are most common in the regional lymph nodes and lungs but diffuse intra-peritoneal metastasis and carcinomatosis are more common in cats. Bile duct adenomas (also known as biliary or hepatobiliary cystadenomas) are common in cats, particularly in males. These tumours are generally insignificant unless they of sufficient size to compress surrounding soft tissue structures and cause biliary tract obstruction.

Carcinoids

Carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumours that usually occur in younger animals than do the other primary hepatobiliary tumours. Primary tumours are aggressive and often affect more than one liver lobe with frequent metastasis to the regional lymph nodes, lungs and peritoneum.

Sarcomas

The most common sarcomas encountered are haemangiosarcomas (HSA), leiomyosarcomas and fibrosarcomas. HSA is the most common hepatic sarcoma in cats whereas leiomyosarcomas are more common in dogs. These tumours are aggressive and metastasis to the spleen and lungs is frequently observed.

Diagnosis

Tumours are symptomatic in approximately 75% of dogs and 50% of cats and this is more likely to be the case with malignant neoplasia.

Clinical signs

Signs are usually non-specific or they may indicate a disease of the liver:

  • Weight loss, inappetance and lethargy.
  • Polyuria and polydipsia.
  • Vomiting
  • Ascites due to the development of portal hypertension.
  • Neurological signs, including seizures, ataxia and weakness are not as common as the signs described above. They may be due to metastasis to the central nervous system, hepatic encephalopathy or hypoglycaemia which can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome.
  • Icterus occurs particularly in dogs with extrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinomas and diffuse carcinoids.
  • A cranial abdominal mass will be palpable in up to 75% of cats and dogs

Laboratory Tests

The results of blood samples are usually unremarkable but the following findings may be documented in affected animals:

  • Mild non-regenerative anaemia of unknown cause. The anaemia may be caused by anaemia of chronic disease, inflammation, red blood cell sequestration and iron deficiency may play roles
  • Leucocytosis resulting from the associated inflammation and necrosis that can occur with large liver masses.
  • Thrombocytosis, of which potential causes include production of thrombopoietin as a paraneoplastic syndrome, iron deficiency, production of inflammatory cytokines and presence of concurrent anaemia.
  • Elevation in the blood levels of hepatic enzymes probably occurs due to hepatocellular damage or biliary stasis. The extent of the elevation is not proportional to severity of liver damage.
  • Hypoalbuminaemia due to reduced hepatic synthesis of albumin.
  • Hyperglobulinaemia due to a chronic inflammatory process.
  • Hypoglycaemia can occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome where there is increased utilisation of glucose or increased production of hormones with insulin-like activity (such as the somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors).
  • Elevated pre- and post-prandial bile acids
  • Hyperbilirubinaemia which may be sufficiently severe to cause icterus.

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiography

Plain radiographs of the abdomen may show hepatomegaly and rounding of the margins of the liver. With massive hepatic neoplasia, a cranial abdominal mass may be visible with displacement of the stomach caudally and laterally. Mineralisation of the biliary tree is occasionally observed in dogs with cholangiocellular carcinoma. Ideally, all three thoracic views should also be taken to assess for the presence of pulmonary metastases, although this finding is uncommon at the time of diagnosis.

Ultrasonography

An abdominal ultrasound scan is advised to evaluate the condition of structures surrounding the liver. It also allows classification of the mass as massive, nodular or diffuse. Doppler techniques can be utilised to assess the vascular structure of tumours and guided fine-needle aspirates or core biopsies can be taken at this time, although it is desirable to await the results of a coagulation profile before undertaking this procedure. It is traditionally stated that hepatic lymphoma produces a hyperechoic texture on an ultrasound scan.

Advanced Imaging

CT and MRI are more sensitive in detecting small lesions and confirming the relationship of the mass with surrounding tissues and vasculature. They may also be used to detect early metastases.

Other Tests

Cytological examination of ascitic fluid may reveal the presence of neoplastic cells. Effusions are usually modified transudates but haemorrhage may indicate that the tumour has ruptured.

Treatment

Surgery

Surgical excision is advised for hepatic adenomas, bile duct adenomas and massive hepatocellular carcinomas. Nodulectomy or lobectomy can be used for focal tumours involving only one or a small number of lobes. Diffuse tumours and widespread nodular disease carry a poorer prognosis and they have frequently metastasised by the time they are diagnosed.

Chemotherapy

This treatment modality is not recommended for primary hepatic neoplasia. Some metastatic sarcomas, such as haemangiosarcomas, may show some response.

Radiotherapy

This procedure is not undertaken as it involves irradiating the entire abdomen and some surrounding organs may show poor tolerance.

Prognosis

The median survival time for massive hepatocellular carcinomas following surgery is approximately 1 year. Otherwise the prognosis is poor for other types of malignant and metastatic tumours. If successfully excised the prognosis for benign tumours is good.


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References

  • Morris J, Dobson J (2001) Gastrointestinal Tract, in Small Animal Oncology, Blackwell Science, pp 137-140
  • Liptak J. M, Withrow S.J, (2007), Cancer of the Gastrointestinal Tract, in Withrow and MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology, fourth edition, Eds Withrow S.J, Vail D.M, Missouri, Saunders Elsevier, pp 483-489