Unusual Multiple Primary Hepatic Tumors in Dromedary Camels: Pathological and Immunohistochemical Studies

Abstract

Tumors have been rarely documented in the Arabian dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Importantly, the current study investigated multiple primary tumors in the liver of Dromedary camels, slaughtered at different abattoirs in Egypt during the period from January 2019 to February 2022. The study focused on the existence of two or more separate primary neoplasms, or a single one involving multiple sites in the same liver. The study conducted a comprehensive and accurate gross and histopathological description of the neoplastic cases. The use of special stains and diverse types of immunohistochemical-specific antibodies contributed significantly to the confirmed diagnosis of neoplastic cells. Interestingly, our results diagnosed unusual multiple primary hepatic tumors (prevalence 7/988, 0.7%), including one case each of cholangiocarcinoma-leiomyosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma-cholangiocarcinoma-leiomyoma, myelolipoma-osseous metaplasia, lymphosarcoma and three cases of leiomyomas. Detecting multiple primary hepatic tumors for the first time in the veterinary research area is a major challenge in the diagnosis and treatment strategies of tumors. Additionally, liver cirrhosis, amyloidosis, parasitic infection, and mycotic granuloma may be predisposing factors associated with increased overgrowth of primary mesenchymal hepatic tumors in camels.