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Clinicopathological characterization of sinonasal sarcomas in dogs

Emanoelly M S da Silva 1, Paula R Ribeiro 2, Mônica Slaviero 2, Anderson H Gris 2, Bruno A de Almeida 2, Vanessa C Pereira 2, Jean C O Menegatt 2, Marcele B Bandinelli 2, Welden Panziera 2, Saulo P Pavarini 2, David Driemeier 2, Luciana Sonne 2

Background
Sinonasal sarcomas in dogs are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. While carcinomas are more frequently reported, there is limited data characterizing nasal sarcomas in detail. This study aimed to describe the clinical, pathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical features of sinonasal sarcomas in a canine population, addressing a gap in existing veterinary literature.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 39 canine cases diagnosed with sinonasal sarcomas between 2006 and 2022 at a Brazilian veterinary pathology service. Inclusion criteria were based on anatomical, histological, and immunohistochemical confirmation of diagnosis. Data were retrieved from necropsy and biopsy reports, including clinical signs, tumour type, location, metastasis, and survival time. Tissues were re-evaluated histologically and via immunohistochemistry to classify tumour subtypes and assess mitotic activity.

Results
Among the 34,925 reviewed canine cases, sinonasal tumours were identified in 148 (0.4%), with sarcomas accounting for 45 cases. Of the 39 sarcomas included in the study, 12 were chondrosarcomas, 12 osteosarcomas, and 15 spindle cell tumours (fibrosarcoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, haemangiosarcoma, myxosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma). Facial deformity, epistaxis, and dyspnoea were the most frequent clinical signs. Metastases were rare (4/39 cases), mainly in spindle cell tumours. Spindle cell sarcomas had a higher average mitotic index (mean 15/2.37 mm²) compared to chondrosarcoma (3.2) and osteosarcoma (10). Most tumours affected the nasal region, and survival data (available for 16 cases) ranged from 6 to 365 days (mean 115, median 84).

Limitations
This study was limited by its retrospective nature and relatively small sample size, which restricted robust statistical analysis of prognostic factors. Furthermore, incomplete survival data for a majority of cases and variation in diagnostic follow-up limited conclusions on treatment outcomes and metastatic progression.

Conclusions
Sinonasal sarcomas in dogs predominantly affect the nasal cavity and are characterized by facial swelling and respiratory signs. Chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma were equally prevalent, with spindle cell tumours showing higher proliferative indices and a slightly greater tendency for metastasis. Immunohistochemical profiling was essential for definitive classification, especially among spindle cell variants. These findings underscore the diversity and clinical relevance of sinonasal sarcomas and suggest that mitotic activity may have prognostic value.

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