Cutaneous iridophoroma in a Green iguana ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬(Iguana iguana)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Vet Clin Pathol. 2017 Dec;46(4):625-628. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12536. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

Abstract

An 11-year-old intact male Green iguana (Iguana iguana) was referred for treatment of a probable iridophoroma based on previous cytopathology. A periocular mass was present near the right medial canthus. Computed tomography did not show any sign of metastasis. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included lymphopenia and hyperproteinemia. Cytologic and histologic evaluations of the mass were consistent with iridophoroma. Complete surgical excision of the mass was not possible without removal of the orbit due to local tissue involvement. Recovery and suture removal were unremarkable. Adjunctive radiation therapy was recommended, but not performed. A year later, the surgical site had healed well. To our knowledge, this is the first reported chromatophoroma cytopathology in a Green iguana. Chromatophoromas should be included in the differential diagnoses of pigmented skin tumors in reptiles. Early surgical excision is useful to limit local tissue destruction and metastatic potential.

Keywords: Chromatophoroma; Green iguana; cutaneous; iridophoroma; surgical excision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatophores
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology
  • Eye Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Iguanas*
  • Male
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary*