Cutaneous (skin) lymphoma in dogs can occur in a variety of forms and locations, including one or more lumps in the mouth or skin appearing red, ulcerated and/or itchy. Lymphomas occur in middle-aged to older dogs with no preference to breed.
Dog Mast Cell Cancer
Accounting for up to 20% of all dog malignant tumors of the skin, canine mast cell tumors may appear small and insignificant. Mast cells are part of the immune system occurring in tissues throughout the body. Sites where mast cell tumors are surgically removed can sometimes refuse to heal. Since mast cell tumors do not respond well to chemotherapy, radiation is used to prevent the spread of the cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Although the prostate gland of a non-neutered male dog is more susceptible to cancer, it is more often infections that are prone to this area due to the enlarged state of the gland due to the less efficient blood flow.
Bladder Cancer in Dogs
Though there is some speculation as to whether exposure of the urinary tract cells to chemicals can cause bladder cancer, female, neutered and obese dogs are more susceptible to bladder cancer. Problem urinating are symptoms of this disease.
Lymphoma Treatments for Dogs
Fine needle aspirates (samples of tumor fluid), blood tests, x-rays, biopsies and ultrasound can all be used to confirm the diagnosis. Chemotheraphy using a combination of oral and injectable drugs weekly is the most effective way to treat these cancers. Left untreated, the life expectancy is 4 to 6 weeks. Treatment can extend the quality of life to approximately a year.