Abstract

A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that exceeds normal boundaries, resulting from uncoordinated and uncontrolled cell proliferation. Tumors can affect various parts of cattle animals, including the skin, bones, glands, and visceral organs. The present study aimed to explore the pathology of bovine skin tumors and their health and economic impacts on cattle. Skin tumors are the most frequently diagnosed neoplastic disorders in bovine species. The most common skin tumors in bovine include bovine papilloma, squamous cell carcinoma, and bovine lymphosarcoma. These tumors pose significant health challenges and have a negative economic impact on cattle production and its byproducts. Clinical features of skin tumors often include hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, elongated rete pegs, large nodular structures, exophytic and cauliflower-like lesions, and friable lesions. Melanomas, another type of proliferative skin tumor, are characterized by spindle to round cell shapes containing abundant black pigment. More than 90% of skin tumors are linked to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Diagnosing a skin tumor in cattle typically involves skin biopsy and fine needle aspiration cytology. Histologically, skin tumor cells exhibit an increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, and a discohesive arrangement of cells. In addition to their health implications, skin tumors in cattle result in significant economic losses due to reduced productivity, decreased reproduction rates, carcass condemnation, and the downgrading of skins and hides. Common treatment options for skin tumors include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical removal. Given that skin tumors are an economically significant disease in Ethiopia, they require increased attention from researchers and the centers for control and prevention. Early diagnosis and effective management of these tumors are crucial issues that must be addressed.