Squamous cell carcinoma in a tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) |
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| Authors: | WD Roe MR Alley SM Cooper L Hazley |
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| Institution: | 1. Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University , Palmerston North, New Zealand E-mail: W.D.Roe@massey.ac.nz;2. Elles Road Veterinary Centre , Invercargill, New Zealand;3. Southland Museum and Art Gallery , Invercargill, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | CASE HISTORY: A mature male tuatara was presented with a history of recurrent cloacal prolapse. CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The prolapsed tissue included a 12 mm diameter mass, which histologically showed cords and nodules of neoplastic epithelial cells. DIAGNOSIS: The mass was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma with ulceration of the overlying stratified squamous epithelium and diffuse inflammation of the surrounding dermis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case presented a rare opportunity to investigate squamous cell carcinoma in a long-lived lower vertebrate species. Future recurrence or metastasis of the mass may add useful information to the current base of knowledge of the behaviour of malignant neoplasms in reptiles. |
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| Keywords: | Tuatara squamous cell carcinoma neoplasia Sphenodon punctatus |
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