Vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinoma: Mimicking chronic prolapse in bitch

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm arising from squamous cells and is infrequently reported in the vulvovaginal region of bitches. Owing to its anatomical location and gross appearance, vulvovaginal SCC may clinically resemble vaginal prolapse leading to diagnostic ambiguity. The present study documents a rare case of vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinoma in a 3-year-6-month-old intact bitch presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna with a history of protruding vaginal mass for the past 20 days. Clinically, the mass was reddish-pink, firm, irregular, non-reducible and ulcerated, closely mimicking vaginal prolapse. Based on the chronicity, progressive enlargement and ulcerative surface changes of the mass, a neoplastic condition was clinically suspected and surgical excision was undertaken as a definitive diagnostic and therapeutic approach under general anaesthesia. Haematological evaluation revealed moderate normocytic normochromic anaemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia and borderline thrombocytopenia, reflecting a non-specific systemic response to neoplasia. Biochemical analysis demonstrated elevated total protein and globulin levels with mild increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) suggestive of systemic inflammatory response and hepatic stress. Gross examination of the excised mass revealed an irregular, friable growth with focal pale yellow to grey, soft areas suggestive of necrosis, along with dark red to black, blood-filled regions consistent with haemorrhage. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma characterized by invasive cords and nests of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells, marked cellular pleomorphism, hyperchromatic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, frequent mitotic figures and keratin pearl formation within a desmoplastic stroma, consistent with a well to moderately differentiated SCC. Vulvovaginal squamous cell carcinoma though uncommon in young bitches should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in cases of chronic vaginal prolapse-like conditions unresponsive to manual reduction. The present study emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation, histopathological confirmation and prompt surgical intervention for successful management and prevention of local invasion and recurrence.