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The Pathology of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The Pathology of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) in Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)

R. Loh, J. Bergfeld, D. Hayes, A. O'Hara, S. Pyecroft, S. Raidal and R. Sharpe
Veterinary Pathology, Vol.43(6), pp.890-895
2006
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Abstract

A disfiguring and debilitating neoplastic condition known as devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) has been discovered in wild Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) across 51% of its natural range, with population declines of up to 80% in some areas (C. Hawkins, personal communication). Between 2001 and 2004, 91 cases were examined. The tumors presented as large, solid, soft tissue masses usually with flattened, centrally ulcerated, and exudative surfaces. They were typically multicentric, appearing first in the oral, face, or neck regions. Histologically, the tumors were composed of circumscribed to infiltrative nodular aggregates of round to spindle-shaped cells, often within a pseudocapsule and divided into lobules by delicate fibrous septae. They were locally aggressive and metastasized in 65% of cases. There was minimal cytologic differentiation among the tumor cell population under light and electron microscopic examination. The results indicate DFTD to be an undifferentiated soft tissue neoplasm.

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Source: InCites

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
3.232 Veterinary Sciences
3.232.1120 Veterinary Oncology
Web Of Science research areas
Pathology
Veterinary Sciences
ESI research areas
Plant & Animal Science
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