Malignant epithelioid mesothelioma in a Visayan spotted deer (Cervus alfredi)

Abstract

A Visayan spotted deer with progressive weight loss showed diffuse thickening and nodular changes of the pleura and peritoneum. Histology revealed a highly pleomorphic, predominantly solid neoplasm, consistent with a malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. By immunohistochemistry, expression of pan-cytokeratin, cytokeratin 5/6, and vimentin was found in tumor cells. In addition, scattered expression of calretinin, desmin and α-smooth muscle actin was present within the neoplasm. Mesotheliomas should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for proliferative processes involving the serosa in cervids.

Keywords

• mesothelioma
• visayan spotted deer
• serosa
• Tumor
• immunohistochemistry