Articles
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Lymphatic tumors are rare in pets. Lymphangiomas are benign and lymphangiosarcomas are malignant and have a moderate-to-high metastatic potential. Patients with lymphatic tumors typically have severe edema or cavity effusions because of lymphatic obstruction and leakage. These types of tumors occur more frequently in young dogs and cats. Treatment usually involves surgical excision and chemotherapy may be used as a follow-up treatment in the case of lymphangiosarcomas.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are cells involved in the immune system. These cells travel throughout the body, so lymphoma may affect one area or several parts. Vaccination for feline leukemia virus infection (FeLV) can reduce the likelihood of lymphoma in cats.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are cells involved in the immune system. These cells travel throughout the body, so lymphoma may affect one area or several parts. Lymphoma is relatively common in dogs. There are four main types, and the prognosis varies depending on the type.
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The most common forms of cutaneous lymphoma are epitheliotropic lymphoma and dermal lymphoma. No specific risk factors or causes have been identified in the development of cutaneous lymphoma. Generally, cutaneous lymphoma can appear as various-sized irritated, ulcerated, or infected patches anywhere on the skin, including the gums, nose, or lip margins. These areas may become ulcerated and bleed, or become crusted. Secondary infections are possible. By far, the most common treatment for cutaneous lymphoma is chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the response to treatment, although initially encouraging, is typically short-lived, with gradual return of the tumors.
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A mammary tumor is an abnormal growth in the mammary gland that develops because of abnormal replication of cells that make up the breast tissue. Mammary tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). This handout outlines diagnosis, treatment, management, and prognosis of malignant tumors.
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A mammary tumor is an abnormal growth in the mammary gland that develops because of abnormal replication of cells that make up the breast tissue. Mammary tumors are the third most common type of tumor in cats and most are malignant. Detecting and treating these tumors when they are small provides your cat with the best chance of long-term control.
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Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a large role in allergic response through degranulation. Mast cell tumors (MCT) can occur in the skin, spleen, or gastrointestinal tract of cats. Their cause is unknown; however, many affected cats show a genetic mutation in the KIT protein involved in replication and cell division. Cutaneous MCTs most often appear as hard pale/white plaques or nodules, often around the head and they may be itchy. Splenic MCTs cause decreased appetite, weight loss, and vomiting. Intestinal MCTs may cause GI upset and bloody stools, and a mass may be palpable. Diagnosis is typically achieved via fine needle aspirate although histopathology can be used. Treatment usually requires surgical removal of the masses or the spleen. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is needed.
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Mast cell tumors are most common in the skin of dogs and may appear red, ulcerated, or swollen. They can be itchy and can fluctuate in size. Tumors can range from lower-grade, with minimal spread, to higher-grade, with a high risk of local invasion. Treatment usually involves surgical removal and may require supportive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and therapy to target the mutation that instigated the tumor.
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A meibomian gland adenoma is a benign tumor that arises from the epithelial tissue of the eyelid. These tumors start out quite small and can expand into a thick, nodular (bumpy) mass. Removal is considered curative, but the tumor can grow back if not all the affected tissue is removed during surgery.
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Melanomas are cancerous growths of the cells responsible for pigmentation of the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but those on the toes carry the highest chance for malignancy. They may be painful and you may notice your pet licking at the affected area. Surgery is often the treatment of choice and may be followed up with radiation or chemotherapy.