Cancer-like neoplasms are extremely rarely present in arthropods, particularly in crustaceans. Thus, it is assumed that these animals have some efficient cancer-preventing mechanisms. However, several cases of cancer-like neoplasms are described in crustaceans, though only for the Decapoda. We identified a tumor in the parasitic barnacle Peltogaster paguri (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala), and described its histological structure. A spherical cell mass consisting mostly of roundish cells with big translucent nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and sparse chromatin, and of cells with condensed chromosomes, was found in the main trunk of the P. paguri rootlet system. Numerous mitoses were observed in this area. Such tissue organization is utterly uncharacteristic of the Rhizocephala. Based on acquired histological data, we assume that this tumor is a cancer-like neoplasm. This is the first report of a tumor identified in the rhizocephalans, as well as in non-decapod crustaceans as a whole.
Original languageEnglish
Article number107913
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Invertebrate Pathology
Volume198
Early online date20 Mar 2023
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2023

    Research areas

  • Rhizocephala, Neoplasm, Cancer-like tumor, Parasitic barnacles, Cirripedia, crustacea, Crustacea

ID: 103756680