Clinical response and prognostic factors of malignal mammary tumours in cats: A clinical prospective study

Abstract

Feline mammary tumours (FMT) represent one of the most frequent neoplasms in female cats, with an aggressive biological behaviour and a high rate of metastasis. This prospective study included 10 female cats diagnosed with malignant mammary tumours, with the aim of analysing several clinical and histopathological factors as possible prognostic indicators, in addition to evaluating a specific surgical technique: bilateral butterfly wing mastectomy. Variables such as age, race, reproductive status, tumour presentation, clinical staging, tumour size, histological type and grade, lymphatic invasion and clinical evolution after surgery were analysed. Although age was confirmed as a risk factor, it did not show prognostic value in this study. Multiple presentation was associated with more advanced clinical stages, greater progression and lower specific survival. Clinical staging correlated with tumour progression, but only stage IV showed clear prognostic value in relation to survival. Tumour size, analysed in isolation, showed no prognostic value but was related to histologic grade. The most common histologic type was tubulopapillary carcinoma, with no definite prognostic value. The Mills grading system showed prognostic utility for grades I and II. Lymph node invasion was not correlated with survival in this study. The surgical technique was well tolerated, with a low postoperative complication rate and a survival of more than one year in most patients. In FMTs, a correct assessment of clinical and histopathological variables, combined with an adequate surgical technique, can be key to optimize management and prognosis.