Squamous cell carcinoma in a tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus)

Authors: Hazley L, Cooper SM, Roe WD, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 50, Issue 5, pp 207-210, Oct 2002
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Reptile, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Neoplasia, Oncology, Pathology
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract:
CASE HISTORY: A mature male tuatara was presented with a history of recurrent cloacal prolapse.
CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The prolapsed tissue included a 12 mm diameter mass, which histologically showed cords and nodules of neoplastic epithelial cells.
DIAGNOSIS: The mass was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma with ulceration of the overlying stratified squamous epithelium and diffuse inflammation of the surrounding dermis.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case presented a rare opportunity to investigate squamous cell carcinoma in a long-lived lower vertebrate species. Future recurrence or metastasis of the mass may add useful information to the current base of knowledge of the behaviour of malignant neoplasms in reptiles.
KEY WORDS: Tuatara, squamous cell carcinoma, neoplasia, Sphenodon punctatus

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