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Adrenal Neoplasms in Slaughtered Cattle¹

Department of Veterinary Surgery and Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48823

This study investigated the incidence and characteristics of adrenal tumors among 26,667 cattle at an establishment that processed only cows and a few bulls ranging from approximately 4 to 10 years of age.

A total of 327 gross specimens were submitted for histopathologic examination, 253 of which were diagnosed as tumors. Cortical adenomas [146] and pheochromocytomas [45] were the most prevalent. Other neoplasms included neurofibromatosis [34], cortical carcinoma [13], neuroblastoma [10], hemangioma [3], and leiomyoma [2]. Neurofibromatosis was frequently associated with other tumors [87].

Data were collected on incidence and gross characteristics of bovine tumors, together with data on age, breed, sex, and carcass condition. Histologic and clinical features which have not been discussed in veterinary literature are reported and are compared with characteristics of human adrenal tumors; many features were similar.

Findings indicated that some cortical tumors and pheochromocytomas were functional. The incidence of these tumors was higher than is indicated in the literature. Cortical cells normally found in the adrenal medulla were more subject to neoplasia than cells in the cortical zones. The high incidence of neurofibromatosis, both as a primary condition and in association with all types of adrenal tumors, led to the conclusion that the pathogenesis of many bovine adrenal neoplasms was directly related to neurofibromatosis in the adrenal gland.

¹ Supported by USPHS Grant CA07839-02 from the National Cancer Institute.

Received 6/28/67. Accepted 10/ 6/67.

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