29/01/2026
🔬 𝐂𝐘𝐓𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐀
𝑩𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒐 𝑪𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒛𝒂𝒔-𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒐, 𝑫𝑽𝑴, 𝑪𝑺𝑨𝑽𝑷
A ten-year-old neutered female Cocker Spaniel presented at the clinic with bilateral enlargement of the a**l sacs. Fine-needle aspirates were collected from both sides. Both samples revealed the same cytological features.
Cytology showed high cellularity with numerous naked nuclei and epithelial cells displaying poorly defined borders, often forming loose acinar arrangements. Mild to moderate anisokaryosis was noted.
This pattern, characterised by naked nuclei and indistinct epithelial clusters, is commonly associated with neuroendocrine tumours and, in this context, is consistent with apocrine gland a**l sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA).
⚠️ AGASACA is a malignant neoplasm that typically presents unilaterally, but bilateral involvement can occur in approximately 7–10% of cases. At the time of diagnosis, it is common that these cases have already metastasized. The most common location of metastasis are medial iliac, sacral, and internal iliac lymph nodes. Another frequent clinical finding is hypercalcaemia, reported in around 25–50% of cases, linked to the tumour’s release of parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP).
Cytological evaluation of peria**l masses is a rapid and valuable tool for identifying AGASACA and distinguishing it from inflammatory processes or other frequent peria**l tumours, such as peria**l gland adenomas. Early recognition supports timely clinical decision-making and helps guide therapeutic planning.
By Mario Cabezas-Calvo DVM, CSAVP
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