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2026, Vol: 16, Issue: 8
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Research Article


Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series

Heyi Zhao, Haoyu Xuanyuan, Chi Zhang, Yi Zhou, Zixiang Lin, Fuqiang Qiao, Hua Yao.


Abstract
Background:
Chromatophoromas are pigment cell tumors reported in reptiles; however, their clinical behavior, pathological characteristics, and prognosis in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) remain insufficiently described.

Aim:
This study aimed to characterize the clinical, cytological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and outcome features of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos.

Methods:
A retrospective case series was conducted, reviewing 12 cases examined between 2023 and 2024. Clinical records, cytological smears, hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, and immunohistochemical staining results were analyzed.

Results:
Affected geckos were predominantly Lemon Frost-related morphs aged 3–6 years. Cutaneous masses most frequently involved the mandible, back, eyelids, ventral body, and limbs. Cytology revealed spindle-shaped to stellate pigmented cells. Histopathology demonstrated invasive, proliferative neoplasms with variable pigmentation; advanced cases exhibited metastasis to the liver, kidneys, and ocular tissues. Immunohistochemistry was positive for HMB45, Melan-A, S100, and PNL2. Despite surgical intervention, recurrence and systemic involvement were frequent, with only one case remaining recurrence-free during follow-up.

Conclusion:
Chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos often exhibit aggressive biological behavior. Early diagnosis, histopathological confirmation, and long-term monitoring are recommended for affected animals.

Key words: Leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius); Chromatophoroma; Iridophoroma; Immunohistochemistry; Reptile oncology.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Zhao H, Xuanyuan H, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Qiao F, Yao H. Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(8): 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7

Web Style

Zhao H, Xuanyuan H, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Qiao F, Yao H. Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/?mno=319985 [Access: August 08, 2026]. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Zhao H, Xuanyuan H, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Qiao F, Yao H. Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Vet. J.. 2026; 16(8): 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Zhao H, Xuanyuan H, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Lin Z, Qiao F, Yao H. Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Vet. J.. (2026), [cited August 08, 2026]; 16(8): 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


Harvard Style

Zhao, H., Xuanyuan, . H., Zhang, . C., Zhou, . Y., Lin, . Z., Qiao, . F. & Yao, . H. (2026) Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Vet. J., 16 (8), 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


Turabian Style

Zhao, Heyi, Haoyu Xuanyuan, Chi Zhang, Yi Zhou, Zixiang Lin, Fuqiang Qiao, and Hua Yao. 2026. Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (8), 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


Chicago Style

Zhao, Heyi, Haoyu Xuanyuan, Chi Zhang, Yi Zhou, Zixiang Lin, Fuqiang Qiao, and Hua Yao. "Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series." Open Veterinary Journal 16 (2026), 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Zhao, Heyi, Haoyu Xuanyuan, Chi Zhang, Yi Zhou, Zixiang Lin, Fuqiang Qiao, and Hua Yao. "Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series." Open Veterinary Journal 16.8 (2026), 5114-5124. Print. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Zhao, H., Xuanyuan, . H., Zhang, . C., Zhou, . Y., Lin, . Z., Qiao, . F. & Yao, . H. (2026) Clinical and pathological characterization of chromatophoromas in captive leopard geckos: A retrospective case series. Open Veterinary Journal, 16 (8), 5114-5124. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2026.v16.i8.7


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