Aid-in-Diagnosis
for Mass Noted on Screening Ultrasound
Winston
11-year-old | Male Neutered | Giant Schnauzer | 80 lbs
Presentation
Use Case
Aid-in-Diagnosis
- Site Challenging to Access
Clinical Details
Geriatric screening ultrasound noted a splenic mass with vascular appearance. No other findings on exam.
Why OncoK9 Was Performed
Winston’s veterinarian suspected cancer due to an incidentally-detected splenic mass.
OncoK9 Result
Cancer Signal
Not Detected
- A Cancer Signal Not Detected result significantly reduces the likelihood that cancer is present, but does not rule out the presence of cancer or the possibility of cancer developing in the future.
- If cancer is clinically suspected, a full diagnostic evaluation should be performed.
Cancer remained on the list of differential diagnoses, so additional workup was pursued.
Cancer Workup & Findings
Histopathology diagnosis: Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen (Benign)
- Cancer remained on the differential list, so serial monitoring of the spleen by ultrasound was conducted
- The splenic mass was progressive in size, so splenectomy was performed
Case Takeaways
Outcome: Veterinarian
OncoK9 results helped the veterinarian feel more comfortable with an initial conservative approach to management; however, disease progression prompted surgical intervention.
Outcome: Owner
Due to Winston’s advanced age, the owners were hesitant to pursue surgery if cancer was presumed to be the most likely diagnosis. OncoK9 results helped them feel more comfortable with pursuing surgical intervention.
Outcome: Patient
Winston’s benign splenic disease was ultimately diagnosed. Even benign splenic masses can cause bleeding, and splenectomy can prevent hemoabdomen.
Case Summary
- 11yo MN Giant Schnauzer with incidental splenic mass noted on screening ultrasound
- OncoK9: Cancer Signal Not Detected
- Cancer remained on the differential list, so continued monitoring by ultrasound was performed, which showed size progression of the splenic mass
- A full diagnostic evaluation was pursued, including removal of the spleen
- Histopathology confirmed benign pathology in the spleen
- Patient is doing well – veterinarian and owner are very pleased