Tumours of the endocrine glands in cattle, sheep and pigs found in a British abattoir survey

Abstract

A histological survey has been made of all neoplasms, except those of the brain and pituitary, found in slaughtered cattle, sheep and pigs during one year in 100 abattoirs throughout Great Britain. The specimens collected comprised 302 tumours from cattle, 107 from sheep and 139 from pigs: of these, 35 bovine, 3 ovine and 3 porcine tumours originated in endocrine glands (other than the ovary). The majority were tumours of the adrenal cortex, which were encountered in all three species. Phaeochromocytomas also occurred in each species. Less common tumours of the thyroid gland and pancreatic islets were included in the series. In this paper, the incidence of such tumours is indicated and the histological appearances are described. The findings are considered in relation to the characteristics of the corresponding neoplasms in man.