The presence of a malignant mixed tumor, also known as a carcinosarcoma, in the salivary gland is very rare. Such mors, which are typically aggressive, are characterized by the presence of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. 9-year-old neutered female domestic short-haired cat presented with swelling in the right mandibular lesion that had rapidly enlarged over the previous 3 weeks. Physical examination revealed a large, fluctuated and painless subcutaneous swelling that was associated with a firm mass. Radiographs of the head revealed a soft-tissue density that involved faint circular calcific opacity. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the peripheral capsulated cystic area had a contrast enhanced region without bone lysis. The cat received a total excision of the mass and postoperative radiotherapy. Histopathological analysis of the mass revealed that it was a malignant mixed tumor. Metastasis to the lung was discovered 7 weeks later, at which time treatment was stopped.
Adenocarcinoma/pathology/surgery/*veterinary ; Animals ; Cat Diseases/*pathology/*radiography ; Cats ; Chondrosarcoma/pathology/surgery/*veterinary ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Lung/pathology/radiography ; Radiography, Thoracic/veterinary ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology/radiography/*veterinary