Cytologic criteria for mast cell tumor grading in dogs

Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are common cutaneous neoplasms in dogs, accounting for up to 21% of all canine skin tumors. Biological behavior is predicted with clinical staging and histologic grading with variable success. Although 3 histologic grading schemes exist, 2 are utilized commonly: the Patnaik system and the newer two-tier system (Kiupel system). The Patnaik system is a three-tiered histologic grading scheme in which cellularity, cell morphology, mitotic index, extent of tissue involvement, and stromal reaction are assessed to assign a histologic grade of 1 to 3, from well-differentiated to poorly differentiated, respectively.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Clinical Pathology Source Type: research