Etiology:  Benign neoplasms in the hamster include polyps, adrenal adenomas, splenic hemangiomas, islet cell pancreatic tumors, hepatic adenomas, squamous papillomas of the forestomach and fibroadenomas of the mammary gland [1].

Incidence:  The incidence of spontaneous tumors is generally low in the Syrian hamster.  However, the frequency of reported tumors varies greatly based on genetic differences in hamster colonies, gender and age differences.  The incidence is higher in females than males [2].

Clinical Signs:  Clinical signs depend on tumor type.

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis is made by histopathology.

1.            Laboratory Animal Medicine. 2 ed. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine Series2002, 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, California, 92101: Academic Press.

2.            The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, And Other Rodents. 1 ed2012, 225 Wyman Street, Waltham, MA 02451: Elsevier.