Hello - my cat recently got a biopsy on a cyst and it came back as the following. I am worried though, because in the past few days it grew from the size of a marble to the size of a cherry tomato, and this morning, it was even larger. Help!Final Cytology ReportSOURCE:Mass from right submandibular region of a DSH catDESCRIPTION:The preparations (2) are similar and have low to moderate cellularity andclear backgrounds. Cells include frequent clumps of non-nucleated,superficial squamous epithelial cells. These cells have angular cytoplasmicborders and abundant pale blue keratinized cytoplasm. Few fragments of hairfibers are seen within the clumps. There are abundant pleomorphicextracellular bacteria scattered in the background and associated with theclumps of cells. No inflammatory cells or cells with features of malignancyare found.COMMENTS:The smears contain large foci of non-nucleated superficial squamous epithelialcells. If representative of the lesion, a follicular cyst or benignfollicular neoplasm is suspected. Histopathology of excised tissue isrequired to differentiate a cyst from one of the several benign neoplasms.However, the presence of the abundant extracellular bacteria is not expectedwith these lesions. The bacteria are likely contaminants given the lack ofinflammation. Possible sampling of oropharyngeal flora is a consideration.OPINION:Consistent with the contents of a follicular cyst or benign follicularneoplasm (see comments)
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and would be glad to help!
What this is saying in plain English is that there is a concern there is cancer, but due to the sample, a 100% definitive answer can not be given.
It is saying that based on the clinical appearance (size, shape, growth, and patient) if the clinical signs are concerning for cancer, either remove the mass complete and send the sample for a true tissue biopsy or take a true tissue biopsy before removing the growht.
*growth
OK...our vet explained to us that the cyst is not cancerous or life threatening and that the only thing we'd have to worry about is it getting larger and annoying the cat...but it has gotten so much larger so rapidly in the past few days.
That is my concern.
The good news is that it does say:
Consistent with the contents of a follicular cyst or benign follicular neoplasm
These are not terribly cancers - and they do comment "benign"
But could not give a 100% specific diagnosis it would seem.
Is it unusual for these cysts to grow very rapidly? From the size of a marble to the size of a cherry tomato and then larger over the course of about a week?
No - it is not unusual.
Ok that is the main concern. I became so alarmed to feel it each day and notice how big it is getting so quickly. Do you recommend a follow-up appointment, then?
Yes - the growth really
Even if benign - if growing rapidly - it can be removed.
so that it doesn't bother the cat, right? Our other cat likes to play fight with him and tends to go for that spot and try to bite it. But that's another story. :) Thank you for your help. At least I can rest a little bit easier this weekend. I appreciate it.
Correct -
And if it gets larger - it may be a harder surgery later...
I see. That makes sense. Thank you.
You are very welcome!
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Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist
One little thing if you have time -- wondering how big this has the potential to grow. It's ok if you don't have time to answer. Thanks!
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Hi there - always have time!!!Typically - these do NOT grow rapidly.However, sometimes there is inflammation from the tissue and that alone can lead to some growth.Reply any time :)