Description and Characterization of Different Types of Lymphoma in Cats in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize and describe the different lymphoma types and anatomical forms in cats in Hong Kong. The clinical and histopathological data of cats diagnosed with lymphoma by cytology and/or histopathology were collected from a large diagnostic laboratory in Hong Kong. In total, 444 cats were diagnosed with lymphoma over four years (2019–2022). Like other countries where there is a low prevalence of FeLV infection, the predominant form of lymphoma was gastrointestinal (abdominal). Nasopharyngeal and peripheral nodal lymphoma were the second and third most common forms of lymphoma. The large cell/high-grade lymphoma type was much more common than the low-grade/small cell lymphoma in the study population. Domestic short hair was the most commonly affected breed in our study (n = 259/444). Among the cats with identified T/B-cell status, B-cell lymphoma (n = 61/81) prevailed as the most common phenotype. This study describes and characterizes the different types of feline lymphoma in cats in Hong Kong, adding valuable information to the body of knowledge.