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Reports of cystic thyroid and parathyroid masses in cats are uncommon. Herein, the authors describe a series of four cats with cystic ventral cervical lesions, among them thyroid cyst (n=1), thyroid cystadenoma (n=2), and parathyroid adenocarcinoma (n=1). Presentations ranged from completely asymptomatic cervical swellings to signs related to local compression of adjacent structures (e.g., trachea). Ultrasonographic evaluation was helpful in localization of the mass in two cases. Hormone analysis and concentration of cystic fluid were performed in one cat. Surgical excision was performed successfully in three cases. Histopathological examination was performed in all four cases. Long-term prognosis was excellent for those cases in which follow-up was available. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2003;39:349-354.
Cystic masses arising from the cervical region are uncommon. In cats, salivary mucoceles, branchial cysts, and thyroglossal cysts have been reported. Cystic nodules arising from the thyroid or parathyroid glands, or both, are rare and may be classified as functional or nonfunctional based on the presence or absence of concomitant hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism, respectively. This case series reports on four cats presented with cystic thyroid or parathyroid lesions, or both.
Case no. 1 was a 16-year-old, female spayed domestic shorthair (DSH) cat that presented with a history of weight loss and inappetence. A 2.5 x 1.0-cm, nonpainful, ventral cervical mass was identified on general physical examination. case no. 2 was a 15-year-old, male neutered DSH cat referred for intermittent dysphagia and regurgitation associated with a fluid-filled ventral cervical mass. Case no. 3 was a 26-year-old, female spayed DSH diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and exhibiting a 2-cm, nonpainful, subcutaneous mass in the right thyroid gland region. Case no. 4 was a 15-year-old, female spayed DSH referred for evaluation of a ventral cervical swelling of 3 months' duration. A complete blood count, serum biochemical profile including hormonal (e.g., thyroxine, parathyroid hormone) evaluation, and ventral cervical ultrasonography allowed for lesion localization and assessment of underlying functional disease, which was identified in three of the four cases. Fine-needle aspiration allowed for collection of cyst fluid in three of four cases for cytopathological evaluation and in one case, hormonal analysis of the cyst fluid was performed resulting in a definitive diagnosis of a hyperparathyroidism. Surgical exploration of the thyroid/parathyroid regions was performed in three of...