Cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma in a cat-case report

Lymphoma is the most common lymphoproliferative disorder in cats. However, cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon in this species and can be classified as epitheliotropic or non-epitheliotropic. Epitheliotropic lymphomas are typically of T-cells and have tropism for epidermis and/or adnexal epithelium. Non-epitheliotropic lymphomas can be of either T-cell or B-cell and involve predominantly the dermis. The present study describes a case of multifocal cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. The skin nodules were multiple and variable in size, alopecic and erythematous in appearance and randomly distributed. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for the CD3 antigen, consistent with T -lymphocytes. This neoplasm should be remembered whenever multiple cutaneous nodules are observed in cats.

Automated summary

Lymphoma is a common lymphoproliferative disorder in cats, but cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon. They can be classified as either epitheliotropic or non-epitheliotropic. Epitheliotropic lymphomas are typically T-cell lymphomas with a preference for the epidermis and/or adnexal epithelium. Non-epitheliotropic lymphomas can be either T-cell or B-cell lymphomas and primarily involve the dermis. This study describes a case of multifocal cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma in a cat.