Corneoscleral Lymphoma
Lymphoma may involve corneoscleral tissue as a primary lymphoma or as metastatic disease. This type of tumor has a poor prognosis and may spread from the cornea to other parts of the eye. If the primary lymphoma arises in the cornea, metastasis to other tissues and organs, including lymph nodes, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, is also possible. Corneoscleral lymphoma may appear as mild localized corneal infiltration or as diffuse, nodular, very pronounced infiltration. It is rare in dogs and cats.
Treatment
Diagnosis is established by histopathologic examination. Because of the high metastatic potential described in the source, lymph-node biopsy, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography are performed. The patient is evaluated for infectious diseases such as FeLV and FIV. Radiotherapy may be used with or without surgical removal of the lesion. Chemotherapy is individualized. The source also mentions newer approaches involving T- and B-cell monoclonal antibodies, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and ImmuneFX cancer vaccines.
Corneoscleral lymphoma in a dog.
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Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.
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