Histological Characterization of Some Feline Mammary Gland Tumors with Whole Slide Images Scan as a Trial of Remote Diagnosis

Twelve feline mammary gland tissue samples were collected over a period of one year ( Jan 2018-Jan 2019) from pets’ clinics in Cairo, Egypt. Aiming to identify the histologic patterns of feline mammary tumors and generation of whole slides scans for remote consultation. Each collected sample was accompanied by a complete animal data and case history. Samples were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological examination, Masson’s trichrome (MTC) stain was used in some cases and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining using anti- CK8/18 and vimentin markers was performed as well. The tissue slides were scanned using a digital camera to obtain whole slide images (WSI) that were sent to three expert pathologists for teleconsulting. The histological criteria of each tumor type were carefully described under light microscope. Generally, all the examined cases showed marked histological heterogenicity. Ductal papillary or tubule-papillary carcinoma were the most common types of the examined cases. Also, few cases of cribriform and solid carcinomas were diagnosed. All carcinomas (11 cases) were CK8/18 positive. One case exhibited proliferation of pleomorphic myoepithelial cells that were positive for vimentin by IHC staining. Three rare cases of glycogen rich, mucinous and lipid rich carcinoma were recorded. Intense stromal reaction was observed within the examined cases. The trial of remote consulting of scanned slides, despite the presence of some described difficulties, revealed that the degree of accuracy in identifying the histological criteria ranged from 98 to 100% suggesting the positive impact of using whole slide images as a cheap alternative method for digital slide scanning