title: Transcoelomic spread and metastasis of a squamous cell carcinoma of presumed pancreatic duct origin in a cat.
abstract: METHODS
  A 13-year-old female spayed domestic shorthaired cat was examined because of lethargy, inappetance and weight loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No clinically significant haematological or biochemical abnormalities were detected, but an abdominal mass was palpated. Abdominal examination using ultrasonography revealed soft tissue masses in the cranial abdomen, involving the spleen, as well as the liver and abdominal wall; the pancreas was not identified. Despite supportive therapy the condition of the cat rapidly deteriorated and euthanasia was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cytological preparations from the cranial abdominal mass revealed a population of pleomorphic epithelial cells consistent with a squamous cell carcinoma. On post-mortem examination, firm creamy white to yellow nodular masses were present in the region of the pancreatic left limb, spleen, liver, diaphragm, right abdominal wall and in the left lung. Sections of all masses were examined histopathologically and demonstrated infiltration by neoplastic epithelial cells indicative of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Squamous cell carcinoma of presumed pancreatic duct origin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are few reports of haematogenous or lymphatic metastasis of SCC in cats, and none reporting transcoelomic spread. This report describes the clinical and pathological features of a case of presumed primary pancreatic ductal SCC, and should alert veterinarians to the potential for metastasis and carcinomatosis.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. r.c.gebbie@massey.ac.nz
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Gebbie
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Hardcastle
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hartman
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female