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- Could you pick up a nasal chondrosarcoma?
R. Jania1,*, B. Boudreaux*, I. Langohr †, J. Looper* and N. Rademacher
Background
Nasal chondrosarcoma, a locally invasive and relatively low-metastatic tumor, represents 12% of sinonasal neoplasms in dogs. While calcification patterns in chondrosarcoma are well-documented in humans, they have not been comprehensively described in veterinary literature. This study aims to characterize the computed tomography (CT) features of nasal chondrosarcoma in dogs, including calcification patterns.
Methods
A retrospective study analyzed CT images and medical records of 11 dogs with biopsy-confirmed nasal chondrosarcoma. Precontrast and postcontrast CT scans were evaluated for tumor location, calcification patterns, contrast enhancement, and lymph node involvement. Histological findings confirmed diagnoses.
Results
Calcification patterns were identified in 8 of 11 cases (73%), with predominant types being popcorn (55%) and ring-and-arc (18%). Popcorn calcification involved amorphous areas overlaid with well-defined arcs, while ring-and-arc calcification presented as small, ring-like areas. Tumors were destructive, expansile masses with mild heterogeneous contrast enhancement. All tumors with calcification were advanced (stage 3 or 4). Lymphadenopathy was rare, with only one case showing mild ipsilateral retropharyngeal node involvement. No cytological evidence of metastasis was observed in the lymph nodes.
Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size, retrospective nature, and subjective image analysis. Results are specific to nasal chondrosarcoma and cannot be generalized to other tumor types or locations.
Conclusions
CT imaging revealed characteristic calcification patterns, including popcorn and ring-and-arc types, that can aid in differentiating nasal chondrosarcoma from other canine nasal neoplasms. These findings align with patterns described in human chondrosarcoma, suggesting potential diagnostic utility. Histopathology remains essential for definitive diagnosis.
Transverse images of the caudal nasal cavity (A), rostral nasal cavity (B) and frontal sinus (C, D) in bone windows illustrating “popcorn”
calcification with amorphous areas of calcification (arrow heads) and well-defined ring-and-arc shapes (arrows)
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