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Canine skin cancer symptoms are difficult to detect and diagnose. Dogs are 35x more likely to get skin cancer than humans. It is almost impossible to tell by sight if you dog has skin cancer. The only way to tell is to take a biopsy (skin sample) and then test it at a laboratory. Canine Skin Cancer Symptoms Like humans, areas where your dog has thin hair or no hair (the belly) can get sunburns that could turn into skin cancer. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a sun tan lotion if you dog gets too much sun. Types of Canine Skin CancerCanine Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)This type of canine skin cancer takes the form of lumps or sores and is usually from too much sun. They tend not to spread (metastasize) and can be treated through removal via surgery, cryotherapy (freezing) or chemotherapy ointment.Some SCC’s are more difficult to treat such as those on the nose, near the nails or in the mouth. Canine Skin MelanomaCanine skin cancer symptoms related to melanoma can be a small black spot or a lump. These can be of many shapes, and with or without hair. They tend to grow slowly and can be treated with removal via surgery, cryotherapy or chemotherapy ointmentCanine Cutaneous HemangiosarcomaThis cancer forms in the lining of blood vessels and usually is found on the spleen or a heart chamber. For canine skin cancer symptoms on the skin, it takes the form of soft spots and can bleed. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice.Canine FibrosarcomaThis type of cancer can occur anywhere in the dog’s body and forms in the tissue. Surgery is usually chosen to remove the cancerous area.Canine Mast-cell Tumor (MCT)Mast Cells are white blood cells. They take on many appearances and can grow and then shrink. Mast Cells that are localized on the skin can be removed with surgery. If they have spread, then other treatments such as chemotherapy are needed.Cutaneous lymphomaCanine Cutaneious lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells with lumps on the skin as the canine skin cancer symtoms . The skin sores can be itchy. Surgeries for areas that haven’t spread followed by chemotherapy to be sure everything was removed are often recommended.Diagnosis of Canine Skin Cancer SymptomsA non invasive procedure such as fine needle aspiration can be used to confirm the presence of cancer. If positive, then more aggressive forms of treatment such as a biopsy and removal of the cancerous area can be done.Prior to a biopsy procedure, your veterinarian will look to see if their are any other diseases present by doing diagnostic tests such as checking blood count, testing the urine,chest x-ray, and check of the lymph nodes for swelling and lumps. From Canine Skin Cancer Symptoms to More on Canine Cancer Dog Health Guide Home Page Sources for Canine Skin Cancer SymptomsNutrition and Cancer: New Keys for Cure and Control 2003!Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine & Oncology) Colorado State University Ft. Collins, CO, USA Prostatic Disease in the Dog Lymphoma Canine Brain Tumors: Improvements in Diagnosis and Treatment Neoplasia of the Nervous System (spinal tumors) Current Therapy for Canine Oral Tumors Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook Hound Health Handbook
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