THERMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CANINE MAST CELL TUMOURS

Samanta Rios Melo; Thais Rodrigues Macedo; Bruno Cogliati; Cássio Ricardo Auada Ferrigno; Julia Maria Matera

Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2015

THERMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CANINE MAST CELL TUMOURS

Samanta Rios Melo, Thais Rodrigues Macedo, Bruno Cogliati, C Ssio Ricardo Auada Ferrigno, Julia Maria Matera

Abstract :

Background Increasing attention is being directed towards thermographic imaging and is expected to promote technological refinement and oader application of this diagnostic modality. Increased tumouralblood supply, angiogenesis and metabolic rates support the application of thermographic assessment in oncology. Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) are highly reactive neoplasms with variable behaviour and prognosis. Thermographic assessment of canine MCTs has not been reported to date. Results Mean absolute temperatures differed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) between tumoural (TA) and non&ndash;tumoural (NTA) areas in this study. Mast cell tumours may be colder or warmer than NTAs. Thermographic imaging findings were not correlated with prognostic factors or clinical staging. Conclusions Healthy skin temperature differs from skin temperatures in areas affected with MCTs. Temperature differences that cannot be perceived on palpation may be detected by thermographic imaging. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential relationships between thermographic imaging findings and MCT prognosis in dogs.