Neoplasms in Fish: A Systematic Diagnostic and Management Approach

Main Article Content

Sumrarn Bunnajirakul

Abstract

Neoplasms in fish pose a significant economic challenge to the aquaculture industry and international trade, leading to severe depreciation in the value of ornamental fish. This article  presents a systematic diagnostic framework and cause-specific control measures, focusing on differentiating the pathogenesis of spontaneous neoplasms, oncogenic viruses, parasite-induced pseudotumors (xenomas), and environmental factors. Diagnostic protocols are based on histopathological examination as the gold standard, integrated with molecular techniques for precise identification. Furthermore, this paper highlights the establishment of comprehensive disease surveillance systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of the aquatic animal industry, particularly within the context of Thailand.

Article Details

How to Cite
Bunnajirakul, S. (2026) “Neoplasms in Fish: A Systematic Diagnostic and Management Approach”, Journal of Mahanakorn Veterinary Medicine, 21(1), pp. 28–34. available at: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmvm/article/view/269655 (accessed: 5 July 2026).
Section
Review Article

References

Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (n.d.). Neoplasia (tumors), diseases of wild and cultured fishes in Alaska.

Bailey, G.S., Williams, D.E. and Hendricks, J.D. (1996). Fish Models for Environmental Carcinogenesis: The Rainbow Trout. Environ. Health Perspect, 104(Suppl I), 1-21.

Barbukho, E.V. (2016). State of ichthyofauna in estimating the quality of environment at Desniansky lakes of Chernigov Polesye. In S.A. Maskevich, S.S. Poznyak, and N.A. Lysuho (Editor.), Sakharov readings 2016: Environmental problems of the XXI century (p. 169–170). International Sakharov Environmental Institute of Belarusian State University.

Baumann, P.C., Smith, W.D. and Ribick, M. (1982) Hepatic tumor rates and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon levels in two populations of brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus). In: M.W. Cook, A.J. Dennis and G.L. Fisher (Eds), Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Sixth International Symposium on Physical and Biological Chemistry, (pp. 93-102) Battelle Press.

Coffee, L.L., Casey, J.W. and Bowser, P.R. (2013). Pathology of Tumors in Fish Associated With Retroviruses: A Review. Veterinary Pathology, 50(3), 390-403.

Diamant, A. and McVicar, A.H. (1990). Distribution of X-cell disease in common dab, Limanda limanda L., in the North Sea, and ultrastructural observations of previously undescribed developmental stages. J. Fish Dis, 13(1), 25-37.

Fitchko, J. (1986). Literature review of the effects of persistent toxic substances on Great Lakes biota: Report of the health of aquatic communities task force. IEC Beak Consultants Ltd.; International Joint Commission.

Freeman, M.A., Fuss, J., Kristmundsson, Ă., Bjorbækmo, M.F.M., Mangot, J. F., del Campo, J., Keeling, P.J., Shalchian-Tabrizi, K. and Bass, D. (2017). X-Cells Are Globally Distributed, Genetically Divergent Fish Parasites Related to Perkinsids and Dinoflagellates. Curr. Biol., 27, 1645–1651.

IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution. (1991). Review of potentially harmful substances: Carcinogens (Reports and Studies No. 46). World Health Organization.

Hochwartner, O., Loupal, G., Wildgoose W.H. and Schmidt-Posthaus, H. (2010). Renal papillary cystic adenomas/adenocarcinomas in Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus). Dis. Aquat. Organ., 89, 185–189.

Khan, R.K., Ghaffar, F., Nisar, S., Mehboob, U., and Arif, S. (2023). Studies on the Prevalence Rate of Neoplastic Growth in Fish Johnius dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1833) of Karachi Coast Due to Polluted Sea Environment. J. Health Rehabil. Res, 3(2), 514–518.

Knüsel, R., Brandes, K., Lechleiter, S., and Schmidt-Posthaus, H. (2007). Two Independent Cases of Spontaneously Occurring Branchioblastomas in Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Vet. Pathol., 44, 237–239.

Lang, T., Wosniok, W., Baršien, J., Broeg, K., Kopecka, J., and Parkkonen, J. (2006). Liver histopathology in Baltic flounder (Platichthys flesus) as indicator of biological effects of contaminants. Mar. Pollut. Bull., 53, 488–496.

Lee, H.K., Jeong, Y., Lee, S., Jeong, W., Choy, E.J., Kang, C.K., Lee, W.C., Kim S.J. and Moon, H.B. (2015). Persistent organochlorines in 13 shark species from offshore and coastal waters of Korea: Species-specific accumulation and contributing factors. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf.,115, 195–202.

Maezono, M., Nielsen, R., Buchmann, K. and Nielsen, M. (2025). The Current State of Knowledge of the Economic Impact of Diseases in Global Aquaculture Reviews in Aquaculture. Rev. Aquac., 17:e70039,1-19.

Miwa, S., Nakayasu, C., Kamaishi, T. and Yoshiura, Y. (2004). X-cells in fish pseudotumors are parasitic protozoans. Dis. Aquat. Organ., 58, 165–170.

Rocha, C.A.M., Moreira-Nunes, C.A., Rocha, S.M., Silva, M.A.S., and Burbano, R.R. (2017). A review on occurrence of neoplasia in fish. Acta Fish. Aquat. Res., 2(2), 19-24.

Sirri, R., Pretto, T., Montesi, F., Berton, V., Mandrioli, L. and Barbe, T. (2016). Hikui disease in nine koi carp (Cyprinus carpio): First description of a cutaneous perivascular wall tumour. Vet. Dermatol., 27(4), 1-7.

Zhang, H., Sheng, X., Tang, X., Xing, J., Chi, H. and Zhan, W. (2023). Transcriptome analysis

reveals molecular mechanisms of lymphocystis formation caused by lymphocystis disease virus infection in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Front. Immunol., 14, 1-18.