Neoplasms are rarely reported from cetaceans. We describe here a transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder found in a stranded beluga whale from the St. Lawrence middle estuary, province of Quebec. Various organs of this animal were submitted to high resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis (GC/MS) and high polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations were found.

A possible relation between this urinary bladder neoplasm and contamination of the marine environment by some carcinogenic compounds is discussed.

Concurrent isolation of Edwardsiella tarda from various organs of this whale is also reported.

Summary

A transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a beluga whale is described. Its possible relation with the presence of carcinogens in the marine environment is discussed.