Dog tumors may be benign or malignant; the malignant tumors may also be of several types. The distinction between a benign tumor and a malignant one is made by skin testing. An early detection of a malignant tumor is essential in preventing the cancer to advance and affect other areas of the body.
Benign Tumors
Lumps on the surface of the skin may indicate benign tumors; these tumors resemble malignant tumors, but they may be distinguished from malignant tumors by performing a biopsy.
Not all lumps are tumors, so the vet needs to take a look.
Typically, the benign tumors have a more regular shape and they will not modify their shape and size; malignant tumors tend to grow fast and may also change their shape.
A commonly known benign tumor is the adenoma, which develop from sebaceous cysts. As all benign tumors, the adenomas may be easily eliminated and will not present any health risks.
The benign tumors may be excised, if needed or if the tumor causes discomfort in the dog.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors may be of several types and these will be established after a biopsy and a closer look at the cells that make up the tumor.
The malignant tumors will be formed when the cells divide at a fast rate and form a mass of cells. This process is also known as neoplasia. When the cells cause secondary tumors in other parts of the body, the cancer is in metastasis.
The malignant tumors may be excised and if detected at an early stage, the tumor may not grow back. The dog requires treatment; however, the chemotherapy may stop the tumor from reoccurring, but doesn’t guarantee this.
Types of Malignant Tumors
The type of the malignant tumor will be established according to the tissues where these tumors occur.
The most common types of malignant tumors include:
- Carcinomas form on the epithelial tissues
- Sarcomas or mesenchymal tumors are tumors that derive from connective tissues
- Adipocytic tumors, which form on the fat tissue
- Cartilaginous tumors, which are formed on the cartilages
- Osseous tumors which grow on bones
- Vascular tumors
The malignant tumors are also named depending on where the tumor is located. For example, a hepatocarcinoma is located in the liver area and is derived from epithelial tissues. Dogs may also be affected by melanomas, which are pigmented tumors found on the surface of the skin.
The tumors occur after the age of 6 but are more common in senior dogs over the age of 12. The treatment of the tumor depends greatly on the type of the tumor and its location. In some cases, the tumor may be removed and it will never grow back. However, if the tumor has metastasized, the prognosis is not favorable.
It is important to groom your pet on a regular basis and notice lumps and bumps that look suspicious.