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How are mast cell tumors treated?

The location of the tumor also plays a role. Radiation therapy after surgical removal appears to be beneficial and may reduce the incidence of reoccurrence and increase survival rates. In these instances, radiation is recommended. If the mast cell tumors have spread to multiple areas, a combination of anti-cancer drugs are commonly used along with surgery and radiation. In some cases, surgical removal may not be an option, or it may not be possible to remove enough margin around a tumor. What is the prognosis for dogs with mast cell tumors?

The prognosis depends primarily upon the grade and stage of the tumor. Chemotherapy

There are some strict warnings and handling instructions with this medication so Palladia should only be administered to dogs that are under a veterinarian's care.

Mast cell tumors can present in a wide variety of ways and can have an equally varied set of symptoms and outcomes. Dogs with tumors on the limbs appear to have the best prognosis. It is given orally and works in two ways: it attacks and kills the tumor cells and it cuts off the blood supply to the tumor.

Conclusion

In determining the appropriate therapy or treatment for mast cell tumors and their wide variety of forms, it is important to remember that each animal needs to be evaluated and treated individually.

Radiation

Surgical Removal

Radiation is most useful when the tumors have not spread to multiple areas of the body.

Palladia is a prescription medication designed to treat grade II-III, recurrent, mast cell tumors of the skin. For more information please visit mast cell
Mast cell tumors are usually treated by surgical removal. There is a new weapon available in the fight against canine mast cell tumors. It is sometimes difficult to determine exactly where the tumor begins and healthy tissue starts, so a wide margin (large portion of healthy tissue around the tumor, at least one inch) should be removed along with the tumor.

The lower the grade, the better prognosis. This drug is marketed by Pfizer Animal Health under the trade name Palladia. Those with tumors in the nail bed, genital areas, muzzle, and mouth have a poorer prognosis. This is the treatment of choice, and if performed correctly, will usually cure Grade I and Grade II tumors. In addition, dogs with Stage I tumors have the best prognosis, compared to those staged higher. It is important that the tumor is carefully removed and a large area of 'healthy' tissue around the tumor is also removed. Treatment consists of surgical removal and radiation, and possibly chemotherapy. As with all tumors, prompt recognition and treatment is very important in obtaining the best possible outcome. Dogs with mast cell tumors in the internal organs, such as the spleen or bone marrow, have the least favorable prognosis.