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Types of Dog Skin Cancer:
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Melanoma in Dogs
- Melanoma is a cancer originating in the cells that give skin its pigment (melanocytes). This type of dog skin cancer is most often found in the mouth (gums, lips, palate) and feet but can occur anywhere on the body. Tumors are usually dark/pigmented but can be colorless/pink in many cases. The tumor will grow in size quickly. This type of dog skin cancer is typically aggressive and can spread (metastasize) if not treated.
- Diagnosis depends on the location and size of the tumor and can involve X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans to check for metastasis.
- Treatment can vary. Standard treatment involves surgical removal, as well as radiation.
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Carcinoma in Dogs
- Carcinoma (also called Squamous Cell Carcinoma) is another type of skin cancer in dogs. However, unlike melanoma, carcinoma tumors are usually slow growing. They can be found throughout the body but are most commonly found in the nailbed, mouth, abdomen, and toes. Interestingly, the dog breed often correlates with the tumor’s location. For example, SCC is a dog skin cancer most often found in the digits (toes) of Labs and Rottweilers, however in light-colored, sparsely-haired breeds like white bull terriers and whippets, it’s more commonly found in the skin. Metastasis is rare with SCC, but it depends on the location of the tumor and its proximity to lymph nodes.
- Diagnosis involves a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) procedure, where your vet takes a small tumor sample via a needle and syringe and examines it under a microscope. If the diagnosis is not definitive, then a biopsy may be warranted. A biopsy is a surgical excision (removal) of the tumor, which is then sent to a pathologist for further evaluation.
- Treatment is commonly surgical tumor removal.
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Mastocytoma / Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
- Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) is a prevalent type of dog skin cancer that usually appears as a lump on the skin that can often appear harmless. However, it can also be internal, affecting the spleen, liver, or bone marrow. Mast cells are a normal part of the histamine/allergic response. However, these cells can act inappropriately and form malignant tumors. Cancerous mast cells behave in a way that can cause many other issues, such as stomach ulcers.
- Diagnosis of MCT involves FNA, similar to other dog skin cancers.
- Treatment involves surgical removal. Radiation is the preferred option for tumors that cannot be easily surgically removed or if removal was incomplete due to the tumor’s location. Most dogs with a history of or current MCT will be given an antihistamine like Benedryl to reduce the side effects of the tumor (degranulation).
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Hair Follicle Tumors in Dogs
- Most hair follicle tumors in dogs, such as trichoblastoma, trichoepithelioma, pilomatricoma, and keratinizing acanthoma, are benign. However, there are a couple of malignant tumors of the hair follicles: malignant trichoepithelioma and malignant pilomatricoma.
- To determine whether the tumor is malignant, a surgical biopsy is necessary.
- Treatment is usually surgical removal of the tumor, which is curative.
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Skin Gland Tumors in Dogs
- Sebaceous adenomas in dogs and sebaceous hyperplasia are common benign tumors of the skin glands. However, there are more malignant tumors of skin glands, such as sebaceous gland carcinomas, apocrine gland carcinomas, and eccrine carcinomas.
- Diagnosis is usually made via surgical removal and subsequent biopsy, which is generally curative. Some cases may require further treatment, such as radiation therapy. Additional screening is typically done to check for spread into other parts of the body (metastasis).
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Epitheliotropic Lymphoma / Mycosis Fungoides
- Unlike other skin cancer in dogs that appear tumor-like, this type of cutaneous lymphoma appears as lesions, scabs, scaly areas, plaques, or depigmented patches on the skin that do not heal. It commonly occurs near the mouth, lips, nose, or gums. This is a type of T-cell lymphoma.
- Diagnosis involves a surgical biopsy of the affected area. Lymphocytes will be abundant upon examination and confirm the diagnosis. Further testing may be done to check for metastasis.