Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

==Differential Diagnoses==

==Differential Diagnoses==

'''Neoplasia, abscesses and enlarged lymph nodes''' may produce a mass in or under the skin.

'''Neoplasia, abscesses and enlarged lymph nodes''' may produce a mass in or under the skin.

The types of neoplasia that can occur are: mast cell tumor or mastocytoma, sebaceous gland adenoma and adenocarcinoma, benign cystic adenomas, fibroma and fibrosarcoma, hemangioma, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, chordoma, neurofibroma, leiomyoma, histiocytoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma and melanoma - the most common being '''benign mast cell tumours, sebaceous gland adenomas and haemangiomas'''.

The types of neoplasia that can occur are: [[Mast Cell Tumour|mast cell tumor]] or mastocytoma, [[Adenoma#Sebaceous gland adenoma|sebaceous gland adenoma]] and [[adenocarcinoma]], benign cystic adenomas, fibroma and fibrosarcoma, [[hemangioma]], cutaneous [[hemangiosarcoma]], chordoma, neurofibroma, [[leiomyoma]], [[histiocytoma]], [[Squamous Cell Carcinoma|squamous cell carcinoma]], [[Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma|basal cell carcinoma]], cutaneous [[lymphoma]] and [[melanoma]] - the most common being '''benign mast cell tumours, sebaceous gland adenomas and haemangiomas'''.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

===Neoplasia===

===Neoplasia===

Most ferret neoplasms are '''benign''', but metastasis can occur. Therefore before the mass is excised '''screening''' should be performed to check for [[Neoplasia - Pathology|metastases]]. '''Radiography or ultrasound''' can be used to assess the lungs and liver for metastases and to check for involvement of underlying tissue involvement. If metastases are present then the next steps should be discussed with the owner as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not successful in treating metastases in the ferret.  

Most ferret neoplasms are '''benign''', but metastasis can occur. Therefore before the mass is excised, '''screening''' should be performed. '''Radiography or ultrasound''' can be used to assess the lungs and liver for metastases and to check for involvement of underlying tissue. If metastases are present then the next steps should be discussed with the owner as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not successful in treating metastases in the ferret.  

Following screening (assuming there is no metastasis), the mass should be '''completely surgically excised''' and sent for '''histopathological analysis'''. A diagnosis and prognosis can then be made based on the tumour type. If there is more than one mass present then '''all''' the masses should be sent for histopathology as the tumours may be of '''different types'''.

Following screening (assuming there is no metastasis), the mass should be '''completely surgically excised''' and sent for '''histopathological analysis'''. A diagnosis and prognosis can then be made based on the tumour type. If there is more than one mass present then '''all''' the masses should be sent for histopathology as the tumours may be of '''different types'''.

===Abscess===

===Abscess===

The abscess should be suitable '''lanced and drained''' and the ferret treated with appropriate [[antibiotics]].

The abscess should be suitably '''lanced and drained''' and the ferret treated with appropriate [[antibiotics]].

===Lymph Node Hyperplasia===

===Lymph Node Hyperplasia===

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

'''Prognosis is dependent on the diagnosis'''. If the mass is an abscess the prognosis is good with appropriate treatment. If the underlying cause for lymph node enlargement is identified and treated the prognosis is also good. In the cases of [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]], the tumour type, the speed of diagnosis and the presence of metastasis all determine the prognosis. As a general rule, any benign neoplasia that is completely surgically excised should have a good prognosis.  

'''Prognosis is dependent on the diagnosis'''. If the mass is an abscess the prognosis is good with appropriate treatment. If the underlying cause for lymph node enlargement is identified and treated the prognosis is also good. In the cases of [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]], the tumour type, the speed of diagnosis and the presence of metastasis all determine the prognosis. As a general rule, any benign neoplasia that is completely surgically excised should have a good prognosis.  

==References==

==References==

Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

Brown, SA & Rosenthal KL (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Small Mammals''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

 

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:Ferret Diseases]]