SKIN TUMORS: IT IS NOT OBVIOUS WHAT IS INSIDE

I was at a recent charity horse show in Raleigh this past weekend and watched a white faced, Capuchin monkey named “Whiplash” dressed as a cowboy, riding a border collie as he hereds a wild Barbados Sheep.  www.whiplashthecowboymonkey.com

I was intrigued by the monkey’s ability to hold on by his tail like a saddle girth. His favorite treat was Oreo’s and encouragement from his trainer was a handshake. What was hidden under the chaps?

Clients often note a lump on their pet’s skin and question if it is something of concern. In discussions with clients I often go “round and round” as to the need to remove a mass versus the risk. 

WHAT ARE THE TWO MAIN CATAGORIES OF SKIN GROWTHS OF PETS?

The simplistic versions are either benign (no risk of going other places) or malignant (risk of spreading). 

OF THE BENIGN TUMORS, WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ONES?

Fatty tumors (lipomas) are the most common lump found on dogs, followed by oil gland tumors (sebaceous epitheliomas/cysts).

MALIGNANT (cancerous) TUMORS ARE CONCERNING! CAN YOU NAME A FEW?

The most common one in dogs and cats is a Mast cell tumor followed by sarcomas and carcinomas.

HOW ARE THEY DIAGNOSED?

When possible, cells from the mass are drawn (aspirated) into a syringe and then examined under a microscope after special staining on a slide. In cases when that is non-diagnostic, a biopsy (sample of the actual mass) is obtained and submitted to a veterinary lab.

ARE MOST GROWTHS RECOMMENDED TO BE REMOVED?

No, many of the benign ones, unless in a location that could make irritation a concern are left alone. It is the malignant ones that are recommended to be removed with 1.5 inch margins around growth when possible. 

Betsy T. Sigmon, DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practice, Canine & Feline

Hospital Director, Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC