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Skin Cancer in DogsSkin cancer in dogs is the most common type of canine cancer. Dog skin tumors account for one-third of all dog tumors.
Skin tumors in dogs occur about six times more than they do in cats, and up to 34 times more than in people. Although some types of skin cancer occur in young dogs, most
often, canine skin cancer occurs in middle-aged and older dogs.
Not all dog skin tumors are malignant - only about 20-30% of them are. Benign tumors are usually slow growing. Very often, they do not change too much over time.
They are well defined, freely movable under the skin and cause no pain to the dog. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are rapidly growing, have ill-defined margins,
infiltrative, and may be ulcerated.
Common Benign Dog Skin TumorsCommon dog skin tumors that are benign include: Lipomas Lipomas are fatty tumors and are the most common soft skin tumor in dogs. They are soft and easy to confirm by fine needle aspiration. Usually they do not need to be removed unless they interfere with the mobility or comfort of the dog. Papillomas Papillomas are commonly known as dog warts. They are firm and smaller than lipomas. In puppies (but not in older dogs), they are mostly viral in nature and usually disappear in a few months when the puppy's immune system matures. In older dogs, papillomas can be easily confirmed by fine needle aspiration. For small, mushroom- or finger-like warts, they are nothing to worry about. If they grow in size or ulcerate, however, they should be removed and biopsied. Melanomas Melanomas are common skin tumors in dogs. Depending on the location, these skin tumors can be benign or malignant. When found on the skin, they are generally benign. In fact, about 85% of melanomas that occur on the skin are benign. Other Benign Dog Skin Tumors Other common benign dog skin tumors are the wax gland cyst (adenoma), basal cell tumor, and hair follicle tumor. Once in a while, however, these benign skin tumors can become cancerous. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, all skin tumors should have a fine needle aspirate for proper diagnosis. TopCommon Malignant Dog Skin TumorsSquamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in dogs. Carcinoma refers to a cancer that initially starts in the cells and surrounds an organ completely.
Squamous cell carcinomas commonly arise in non-pigmented, either sparsely-haired or un-haired skin. It is most commonly seen as a result of sun damage.
The lesion looks like a raw ulcer or non-healing sore. This dog skin cancer is locally aggressive but rarely spreads until later in the course of the disease.
Breeds commonly affected by this type of canine skin cancer include Shih tzus, standard poodles, mastiffs, basset hounds, and blood hounds.
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice. Where surgery is incomplete or not possible, radiation can be used. Limiting exposure to the sun may help prevent sun-induced
squamous cell carcinomas.
Mast Cell Tumors
Another common form of skin cancer in dogs is mast cell tumors, which arise from tissue mast cells and are very malignant - in fact, these dog skin tumors are the most
common fatal skin cancer in dogs. Mast cell tumors are sometimes known as "the great imitators" because their appearance mimics lipomas (fatty
tumors) and other benign skin lesions. It is worth repeating, therefore, that all skin tumors should have a fine needle aspiration for proper diagnosis.
Please visit our page on mast cell tumors in dogs for more information on this
canine skin cancer.
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a common soft tissue tumor of the support tissues that surround the blood vessels. There are several forms of hemangiosarcoma, the most common form
arises from the liver or spleen. However, although not as common, hemangiosarcoma may also arise in the skin.
The skin forms of hemangiosarcoma are classified as either dermal (on the skin) or subcutaneous (beneath the skin). The dermal form looks like a red or even black growth
on the skin. This form is associated with sun exposure and therefore tends to form on non-haired or sparsely-haired skin (such as on the tummy or inner thigh). Dogs with
short white haired coat (e.g. dalmatians, whippets, and pit bull terriers) are predisposed to the development of this tumor. Tumors in about one-third of dogs will
metastasize so it is important to remove such growths once they are spotted and diagnosed.
Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma can occur anywhere on the body. Lesions can be masses that are soft and movable, or they can be structures that are firm and infiltrative.
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice but sometimes complete surgical removal can be difficult, in which case radiation and/or chemotherapy can be used.
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma is another type of soft tissue tumor that arises from the fibrous connective tissues of the skull, spine, pelvis and ribs. Fibrosarcomas are often subcutaneous
but can grow and extend like long "tentacles" that wrap around tissues, making complete surgical removal difficult. These tumors are locally aggressive but less likely to
metastasize to other parts of the body.
This skin cancer occurs more commonly in older male dogs. Treatment options include aggressive surgical removal, and/or combined with radiation.
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Signs of Skin Cancer in DogsTypical signs of canine skin cancer include a lump or bump that may or may not be ulcerated. The skin may be red or has a flaky appearance. The cancer can result in itching, causing the dog to chew and scratch the affected area incessantly. Systemic symptoms depend on the location of the tumor, the seriousness of the cancer and whether it has metastasized. Some systemic signs may include:
Causes of Skin Cancer in DogsThe exact cause of most canine skin cancers is unknown. For squamous cell carcinoma and hemangioma, over-exposure to the sun has been found to be one possible cause. Some breeds of dogs may also be predisposed to the development of certain dog skin cancers. These breeds include:
Diagnosis of Skin Cancer in DogsDiagnosis is made with a needle aspirate, which collects some tumor cells using a needle and the cells are examined under the microscope. When cancerous skin tumors are diagnosed, a tissue biopsy will be carried out and the tissue examined under a microscope. Other tests include complete blood count, urinalysis and chest x-rays (to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs). TopTreatment for Skin Cancer in DogsTreatment of cancer skin cancer depends upon the location of the tumor, the extent and the stage to which the cancer has developed. Typical conventional treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. TopNatural Remedies for Skin Cancer in DogsAlthough 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 Skin Cancer in Dogs |
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