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Mast Cell Tumors in DogsMast cell tumors in dogs is a common kind of skin cancer. Canine mast cell tumors account for up to 20% of all skin tumors in dogs.
Mast cells are bound within tissues that interface with the external world such as the skin, respiratory or intestinal tract, and do not circulate through the body.
A mast cell tumor is formed by many mast cells. Because mast cells contain large amounts of histamine, heparin, and enzymes, they can create problems when damaged.
The cells of mast cell tumors in dogs become very unstable, and large amounts of histamine, heparin, and enzyme can be released into the body, creating problems such as
allergic symptoms, and have adverse effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions.
Most mast cell tumors in dogs occur in the skin, but they can also occur elsewhere in the body where mast cells are present. Like other cancers, mast cell tumors can occur
at sites of previous inflammation. Canine mast cell tumors are very invasive and difficult to treat.
About half of all mast cell tumors are malignant, and up to 50 percent recur after surgical removal. Mast cell tumors that appear in the armpit area, mammary tissue, groin,
anus or genital areas, in the lips, eyelids, or body openings are likely to be malignant.
The appearance of canine mast cell tumors are rather uncharacteristic and can mimic other benign skin lesions such as
lipomas (fatty tumors). Because of their ability to
mimic benign skin tumors, these dangerous mast cell tumors often are not diagnosed until later in the disease, resulting in a worse prognosis for the dog patient.
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Signs of Mast Cell Tumors in DogsAs mentioned above, canine mast cell tumors are usually found in the skin, but they can also be commonly found on the trunk, limbs, and genital area. The tumor can be single or multiple, and it can be smooth, bumpy, or ulcerated.
Causes of Mast Cell Tumors in DogsThe exact cause of mast cell tumors is not exactly clear. It is possible that there are a variety of different causes for the development of this tumor, such as hereditary and environmental factors.Risk Factors for Mast Cell Tumors in DogsThere is no known sex predisposition to developing mast cell tumors in dogs. While mast cell tumors can develop in all ages, most of them develop in older dogs (those around 8-9 years old). It seems that brachiocephalic breeds (those having a short, pushed-in snort), such as boxers, bulldogs, and pugs, are at greater risk than other breeds. TopDiagnosis of Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Diagnosis is made with a needle aspirate, which collects some tumor cells using a needle and the cells are examined under the microscope.
When canine mast cell tumors are diagnosed, a tissue biopsy will be carried out in order to grade and stage the tumor. The grading and staging procedures help determine
the prognosis, as well as the type of treatment to be given to the dog patient.
Mast cell tumors are categorized into three grades (Grade I, II, III), depending on how malignant they are. (The higher the grade, the more serious and malignant they are.)
In addition to grading, the tumor has to be "staged" to determine the extent to which the tumor has spread. Using the stage and the grade, a most appropriate treatment plan
can be formed.
Staging is based on how many tumors were present, the lymph node involvement, and if all of the tumor was removed. The tumor is staged 0 through IV:
Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors in DogsDepending on the grade and stage of a mast cell tumor, common treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery For small mast cell tumors in dogs, surgery is effective if the disease is diagnosed early and the tumor is a Grade I mast cell tumor. If performed correctly and the margins are clean, a cure is usually expected. If cancer cells are still being found in the surgical margins, a second surgery, or radiation therapy, or both will be necessary to kill off the remaining cancer cells. Radiation Radiation is recommended for a dog patient with a tumor in a location that does not allow aggressive surgical removal. Mast cell tumors located on an extremity seem to respond better to radiation than do tumors located on the trunk. Radiation therapy after surgical removal may reduce the incidence of reoccurrence and increase survival rates. Chemotherapy In addition to surgery for malignant canine mast cell tumors, or if the mast cell tumors have spread to multiple areas, local injections of anti-cancer drugs (such as vinblastine, prednisolone, chlorambucil) can be used. Unfortunately, generally speaking, mast cell tumors do not respond too well to chemotherapy. TopNatural Remedies for Mast Cell TumorsAlthough natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathic remedies, and natural supplements may not be able to destroy tumors, they are nonetheless effective in strengthening the immune system, making the body stronger to fight against diseases such as cancer. Some dog parents have reported success in using the herbal formula "Essiac" to treat canine cancer, while others swear by such remedies as the "Budwig Diet". For more information on these and other natural remedies for canine cancer, please visit our pages on Herbs for Cancer in Dogs and Dog Cancer Diet.Related Topics Dog Cancer Symptoms of Dog Cancer Conventional Cancer Treatment for Dog Patients Herbs for Cancer in Dogs Dog Cancer Diet References S. Messonnier, The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs (New World Library, 2006). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). TOP OF Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs |
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