From:
Michael Janke
Date: 2001-03-06 03:15:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Strange postsurgical reaction redux
I believe the way I stated it was a little unclear. The impression smear
was done by pressing the slide against the area on his neck, not against the
removed scab. Probably wouldn't have changed the outcome, but thought I
should clarify.
Whatever it was is totally healed right now, but I know how these things can
return so we'll keep an eye on it. If it does, it needs to be removed.
I've probably had a dozen mast cell tumors removed over the years (different
ferrets) and it has always been curative.
Mike
-- original message --
From: "Dr. Bruce Williams" <williams@e...>
A plasma cell tumor is a tumor of specialized lymphocytes (called
palsma cells) which manufacture and secrete antibodies. The process
that you describe is called an impression smear, but an impression
smear of a scab is a notoriously imprecise way to do business with
skin tumors.
Especially since ferrets don't get plasma cell tumors. But they do
get mast cell tumors, which can look similar, and often present as
scabs.
It really is of little use to do a cytology on a skin tumor - just
remove them and send the tumor off - you get a precise diagnosis for
pretty much the same charge.