Adenocarcinoma de pulmón en felinos

Abstract

Lung adenocarcinoma in felines is a lung neoplasm commonly described among the primary lung carcinomas reported in the species. Primary lung neoplasms in felines are rare, have characteristics of malignancy and tend to metastasize to intrathoracic and extrathoracic organs. Elderly cats are commonly more affected, with no predisposition by sex or breed, although the Persian breed has been reported in the literature. In veterinary medicine, metastasis to the digits, called digit-pulmonary syndrome, has been described as a condition that exclusively affects this species. Specific clinical signs are generally a dry, non-productive cough, dyspnea, tachypnea and intolerance to exercise, while non-specific systemic signs are related to the organ involved and, when present, are associated with paraneoplastic syndrome. Cats with primary lung neoplasia may be asymptomatic and primary lung disease presents as an incidental finding. The initial diagnosis may be based on a chest radiographic study, with the aim of detecting lung masses and metastases. Computed tomography has shown to be more sensitive and detect lymphadenopathy more efficiently than conventional radiography. Histopathological evaluation has proven to be the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis of primary lung neoplasms in felines. Post-mortem examination allows macroscopic evaluation of the lesion and allows for the identification of changes in other organs. Adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and surgical resection of well-differentiated lung neoplasms can offer longer survival compared to individuals diagnosed with poorly differentiated neoplasms and metastases present in other locations. The prognosis is mostly unfavorable, usually leaving only palliative care, aiming at analgesia and patient comfort.