Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Male Lutino Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis): A Case Report

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Avian Health and Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Avian Health and Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A male Lutino Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) was referred to the Birds Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, with the major complaint of lethargy, dark feces and the presence of a misshapen ulcerated mass on the dorsal part of the tail. Cytological samples were collected via fine needle aspiration (FNA), and samples for histopathological examination were obtained via successful surgical complete excision. Cytological evaluation revealed cohesive clusters of epithelial cells exhibiting anisocytosis, pleomorphic nuclear features, a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio (N:C), hyperchromatic nuclear chromatin, and inconspicuous nucleoli, all within a bloody smear background. Histopathological examination showed a mass composed of islands, cords, and trabeculae of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells infiltrating. The positive cytoplasmic staining of the neoplastic squamous cells with anti-human pancytokeratin antibody (AE1/AE3) confirmed well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (grade 1).
On last follow-up at ten months later, the owner informed us of the bird’s death without provided further details. This case report highlights the utilization of specific histopathologic tests as definitive diagnostic tools with an emphasis on aggressive surgical intervention of SCC in pet birds and the necessity of reporting the avian neoplasia to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic and treatment protocols.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 May 2026

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