Metástases de carcinoma mamário canino: avaliação quanto ao tamanho, número e local.

Abstract

Canine mammary tumor (CMT) is the most common neoplasm in female dogs and frequently becomes fatal due to the development of distant metastases. Metastases occur mainly through the lymphatic route, with the sentinel lymph node playing a fundamental role in early diagnosis. However, there is a scarcity of studies relating tumor size to the location, size, and number of metastases, as well as to tumor size and histological type. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence and pattern of metastases in female dogs with mammary carcinoma, correlating histological type, grade, tumor size, number of metastases, and affected organs. Female dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of mammary carcinoma, not subjected to chemotherapy, that died or remained alive after diagnosis will be included. Imaging examinations and/or necropsies will be performed to investigate, measure, and describe metastatic nodules. Samples were fixed in formalin, processed, and analyzed histologically. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square and t tests to identify associations. Elderly, intact, and mixed-breed female dogs were the most affected. Histological type and grade were associated with lymph node and distant metastases. Tumor size was associated with the presence of metastases. This study contributes to the early diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management of female dogs with CMT.