title: Pulmonary carcinoma with metastasis in a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in humans, however this does not apply to other animal species. Living in an aquatic environment the respiratory system of cetaceans had to undergo unique adaptations in order to them to survive and cope with totally different respiratory pathogens and potentially carcinogens from those affecting humans.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article discusses not only macroscopical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a pulmonary carcinoma with disseminated metastases in a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), as well as the immunohistochemical analysis performed on various tissues of cetaceans belonging to the genus Globicephala. On the necropsy examination of the carcass, multiple pulmonary nodules and generalised thoracic lymphadenomegaly were noted. Histologically, a malignant epithelial neoplasia was identified in the lung, thoracic lymph nodes, and adrenal gland. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a pulmonary carcinoma. Vasculogenic mimicry and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype, as suggested by cytomorphological and immunohistochemical characteristics, were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A diagnosis of metastatic pulmonary carcinoma was determined, which to the author's knowledge, appears to be not previously recorded in long-finned pilot whale species. This is also the first report of vasculogenic mimicry and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition event in a spontaneous cancer from a cetacean species.
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain. cristian.ss104@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Cristian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Suárez-Santana
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernández-Maldonado
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Josué
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Díaz-Delgado
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arbelo
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Suárez-Bonnet
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Espinosa de Los Monteros
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Nakita
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Câmara
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sierra
authors.affiliation: Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontana, 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013030:Spain; D050686:Whales, Pilot
keywords: Cetacean; Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; Neoplasia; Pilot whale; Pulmonary carcinoma; Tumour; Vasculogenic mimicry