Amyloid-producing Odontogenic Tumour
Typical Signalment
- This is a common odontogenic tumour in cats.
- More rarely found in dogs.
Description
The lesions appear as masses that are friable and ulcerated. Many amyloid-producing odontogenic tumours are melanotic which makes them difficult to distinguish from the more aggressive malignant melanoma. They can erode but not infiltrate adjacent bone.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- halitosis
- oral bleeding
- dental disruption or loss
- facial or mandibular deformity
- excessive salivation
- growth protruding from the mouth
- dysphagia occurs rarely
Diagnostic Imaging
Skull radiography may show a soft tissue opacity with mineralization within the mass. Periosteal reaction of the adjacent bone may be visualised. If a malignant neoplasm is a dignostic possibility, thoracic radiography should be carried out to evaluate for lung metastases.
Biopsy
Required for a definitive diagnosis
- Incisional Biopsy - best
- Cytological or grab procedures - difficult to obtain a representative sample
Histologically, the tumour appears to be well demarcated from the surrounding tissue but is not encapsulated.
Treatment
- Surgical excision with narrow margins is normally sufficient.
- Radiation therapy should be considered in cases of incomplete surgical excision.
Prognosis
- Good following complete surgical excision.
- Recurrance following incomplete surgical excision is possible.
References
- Tutt, C., Deeprose, J. and Crossley, D. (2007) BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry (3rd Edition) BSAVA
- Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual