Case Study

CT – Likely recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with metastases in a 11 year old MN Soft- Coated Wheaten Terrier

This 11 year old MN Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma 1.5 years prior. Radiation therapy. Presently has significant stomatitis although no evidence of mass.

DX

The findings on the left cheek can be either consistent with the suspected scarring of the cheek post radiation therapy. However, as to the regional lymphadenopathy reoccurrence of the known squamous cell carcinoma with metastatic spread to the submandibular lymph nodes is an undeniable potential as well.

Image Interpretation

CT of the skull and abdomen –

The soft tissue of the left cheek presents moderate thickening and irregular contrast enhancement. The superficial mucosal lining of the left cheek is moderately irregular. The left submandibular lymph nodes are markedly enlarged and present irregular contrast enhancement, the short-to-long-axis ratio is increased at > 0.5. A small, ovoid, well-defined, non-contrast enhancing, soft tissue nodule is noted in the subcutaneous tissue at the level of the intervertebral disc space L2/L3, measuring 6 x 3 x 3 mm.

Outcome

For further evaluation biopsy of the cheek and FNA sampling of the left
submandibular lymph nodes are essential.
FNA sampling of the subcutaneous soft tissue nodule left lateral abdominal wall is
advised.