From:
ScarlettG@aol.com
Date: 2004-07-01 02:38:15 UTC
Subject: Help, need advise on a fast growing recurring sebacous epithelinoma
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <89.eae56aa.2e14d317@aol.com>
To vets on list or anyone else that has seen this or have any suggestions. I
have a jill(Heferweisen) that is about 2 years old that has a recurring
sebacous epithelinoma. It is on her neck, close to her ear (I can send a photo if
needed) First time it got to be about 1" round and about 1" deep. My vet
removed it Oct. 2003. It grew back to about the same size and Feb 26, 2004 was
removed again. At that time, Her had to remove part of her ear. It again grew
back and was removed in early June 2004. It has grown back again and is about
quarter sized and very close to her ear canal and is stretching the scare
tissue at the site also. This growth has been in just 3.5 weeks.
The histopathology report came back that is was a sebaceous epithetiomas and
benign. If it's benigh how come its' growing so fast? With the continued
surgery she is running out of tissue in the area. What do I do when surgery is no
longer an option?
The histopath reads:
Microscopic findings: Sebaceous Epithelioma
Prognosis: Fair to good, however recommend monitoring
Comments: Sebaceous epithetiomas are considered to be the most common
cutaneous neoplasm of ferrets. They are varibly sized and often pedenculated. They
may occur anywhere on the body, although there may be a predilection for the
head and neck. These tumors are considered benigh cutaeous neoplasms that
should respond well to complete removal. Recurrence is possible after incomplete
excision. The lesian estends into margins of sections examined consistent
with either incomplete excision or partial submission.
Also, below is a an explanation from the vet.
The growth was seen first on Oct. 21, 2003. It appeared as a ruptured mass
and it was recommended sedation and remove the necrotic tissue and suture the
together. The surgery was unremarkable and the animal went home on oral amoxi.
In Feburary the 26th the mass had returned and was larger and fluid filled
located behind the right ear.
Again the animal underwent surgery, the mass was filled with a serosanginous
fluid and attached to and or around the muscle tissue. A section off to the
lab for analysis. The histopath came back as a sebacous epithelioma.
The mass recurred again just as large as before and just as unpleasant to
remove - this was about 3 weeks ago.
The main concern is the recurrance of the growth and the fact that this mass
is attached and difficult to completely excise. It is also thought it seemed
to grow more during the ferret's heat cycles.
The tumor is below her right ear and looks like it's stating to go into the
ear again. Weisen's a healthy, strong jill being over 3lbs. She has no
problem with recovery. She does seem to be in some distress when the growth starts
to get big - Probably pressure since it's close to her ear. I really don't
want to have to euthanize an otherwise healthy jill. Weisen is such a sweetie
and has been so very patient. I have her parents, grandfather and great
grandmother still and none of her sibling or offspring have shown any signs of
turmors.
I have the tumor from the last surgery that I can send to any vet that would
be interested in doing a histopath on it also. I can get it off in the mail
ASAP and would be happy to pay for the expense of the histopath. Any
suggestions, thoughts or assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance,
Scarlett Gray-Saling
scarlettg@aol.com
Cell: 614-563-5829
Home: 614-885-6538
Work: 614-466-4025
Shelter Director
Heart of Ohio Ferret Association and Rescue
http://www.hofa-rescue.org/
Event Chair, Ferret Buckeye Bash - Aug. 28, 2004
Veteran's Memorial Hall - Downtown Columbus