Aid-in-Diagnosis
in a Boxer Mix with a Mediastinal Mass
Hank
9-year-old | Male Neutered | Boxer Mix | 63 lbs
Presentation
Use Case
Aid-in-Diagnosis
- Site Challenging to Access
- Owner Preference
Clinical Details
Hank presented for mild hyporexia, polyuria, polydipsia, and lethargy. Labwork with his veterinarian showed mild hypercalcemia, and thoracic radiographs showed a cranial mediastinal mass.
Lateral and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs showing a cranial mediastinal mass
Why OncoK9 Was Performed
Cancer was suspected and oncology referral was advised, however the owner was hesitant to pursue oncology consult and preferred to start with non-invasive testing.
OncoK9 Result
Cancer Signal
Detected
- A Cancer Signal Detected result significantly increases the likelihood that cancer is present, but does not confirm the presence of cancer. This result should not be used as the sole basis for making important decisions such as treatment or euthanasia.
- A confirmatory cancer evaluation should be performed to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Due to a Cancer Signal Detected OncoK9 result, a Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation was performed.
Comments
Cancer signal origin prediction: hematological malignancy (likely lymphoma or lymphoid leukemia)
Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation
May include any or all of the following:
Exam
- Thorough clinical history
- Thorough physical exam
- Including oral and rectal exam
Laboratory
- CBC and Chemistry
- Urinalysis
Imaging
- Thoracic radiographs – 3 views
- Abdominal imaging – ultrasound preferred
- Radiographs of localized areas of bone or joint pain, if present
Sampling
- Tissue sampling of any detected masses or enlarged lymph nodes for pathological analysis
In some cases, advanced imaging (such as CT and/or MRI) may be indicated.
Cancer Workup & Findings
Diagnosis: Large Cell Lymphoma
- Oncologist consultation pursued; ultrasound-guided FNA cytology of cranial mediastinal mass performed
Case Takeaways
Outcome: Veterinarian
OncoK9 results helped the veterinarian convince the owner to pursue immediate referral for workup of suspected lymphoma.
Outcome: Owner
OncoK9 results helped the owner decide to pursue oncology consultation and obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Outcome: Patient
Hank was able to start chemotherapy, which immediately palliated his clinical signs.
Case Summary
- 9yo MN Boxer mix with hypercalcemia and cranial mediastinal mass
- OncoK9: Cancer Signal Detected
- Cancer Signal Origin Prediction: Hematological malignancy (likely lymphoma or lymphoid leukemia)
- Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation recommended
- Ultrasound-guided FNA cytology of cranial mediastinal mass confirmed diagnosis of lymphoma
- Client pursued oncology consultation and chemotherapy was initiated, which caused immediate improvement of clinical signs