Epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of neoplasms in pigs in the hinterland of Paraíba

Neoplasms in pigs are rare and are occasionally associated with clinical signs and reasons for euthanasia in Brazil. This study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological aspects of neoplasms in pigs in the hinterland of Para & iacute;ba, Brazil. A retrospective investigation was conducted from biopsy and necropsy reports of pigs diagnosed with neoplasms at the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Campina Grande from 2003 to 2022. Seven neoplasms were diagnosed, namely: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, nephroblastoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in three adult females housed in pens with access to sunlight; in only one case was it considered a reason for euthanasia. Macroscopically, the ulcerative and crusted lesions were located in various locations on the backs of the animals. Melanoma was identified in two cases, both approximately one year old, presenting as multifocal, solitary, soft, and blackened masses. Hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in a one-year-old male with ulcerative, multilobular, and soft nodular lesions. Nephroblastoma was considered an incidental finding during inspection at the slaughterhouse in one case. Macroscopically, it was characterized by a multilobular, firm, yellowish-white tumor mass measuring 8 cm in diameter, attached to the renal capsule and extending into the medullary region upon sectioning. The neoplasms were considered uncommon. However, skin tumors were the most frequently observed, with lesions persisting for up to one year. This location is associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, a triggering factor for skin neoplasms. Young animals were commonly affected, highlighting an important epidemiological characteristic of these pathologies in the species. The diagnosis of proliferative lesions in these animals is important for differentiating them from non-neoplastic conditions, especially in slaughterhouse environments.