Signs Of Facial Tumour
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Women s Issues.
Signs of Facial Tumour in Tasmanian Devils
Overview
First identified in the mid-1990s in north-east Tasmania, Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has since spread to other parts of the state, becoming more widespread.
Impact on Populations
The disease has a catastrophic impact in areas with dense Tasmanian devil populations, leading to almost 100% mortality within 12 to 18 months. In regions with lower population density, the decline is less severe. DFTD primarily affects adult devils, though some juveniles can also be impacted. Over time, some populations show signs of recovery, but these are mainly composed of younger devils.
Disease Progression and Symptoms
DFTD begins with lesions and lumps around the mouth, which develop into cancerous tumors. These tumors can spread throughout the body, hinder feeding, and ultimately cause the animal to starve.
Research Findings
Studies of the cancerous tissue reveal that DFTD is neuroendocrine in nature, with all cancer cells sharing identical chromosomal rearrangements. Initially thought to be viral, no virus was found in the cancer cells. Remarkably, the cancer cells themselves act as an infectious agent, spreading through biting, shared feeding, and aggressive mating.
A significant breakthrough came when researcher Anne-Maree Pearse and her team discovered an infected devil carrying a chromosomal abnormality in its healthy cells that was absent in its tumor cells, indicating that the cancer cells originated externally.
Current Understanding
While definitive conclusions from histology were not reached, immunohistochemistry consistently points to a neuroendocrine origin of the tumors. Cytogenetic studies have established the normal karyotype of Tasmanian devils and identified chromosome rearrangements specific to the tumor. This evidence supports the theory that DFTD spreads directly between animals through the transfer of cancer cells during physical interactions like fighting and biting.
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