Description

Nodular hyperplasia is seen as hard pale elevations of the exocrine tissue of the pancreas in older dogs, cats and cattle. It is of no clincal significance but must be distinguished from malignant neoplasia. It is a common incidental finding but the cause is unknown.

Signalment

Older dogs, cats and cattle.

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

There are no adverse clinical signs associated with the condition. It is an incidental finding.


Pathology

Gross appearance: White lobules or plaques projecting from the surface which are usually firmer than normal pancreatic tissue and do not distort adjacent tissue and are non-encapsulated.

Microscopic appearance: Similar to the normal glandular tissue, non-encapsulated aggregates of acinar cells.

References

  • Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science