Leiomyomas in Dogs and Cats
Leiomyomas are benign smooth-muscle tumors of dogs and cats that arise in the uterus, gut, and vessels and are removed surgically. The rare malignant leiomyosarcoma is prevented by early excision, with follow-up anti-cancer medication when needed.
Myomas (Rhabdomyomas and Leiomyomas) in Dogs and Cats
Myomas are muscle tumors including rhabdomyomas and leiomyomas that may be benign or malignant; dogs most often show malignant rhabdomyosarcoma with a possibly hereditary cause. They can occur in any muscle organ and are hard to remove once invasive, so anti-cancer medication is used.
Cutaneous Fibromas in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous fibromas are benign, often trauma-related skin tumors of dogs and cats that are well-defined, hairless, and rarely ulcerate. Small ones may be left alone, while surgical removal cures most, with follow-up anti-cancer medication if recurrence is a concern.
Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs and Cats
Cutaneous mast cell tumors of dogs and cats appear anywhere on the skin, often as varying soft or hard lumps that may ulcerate. They are diagnosed by biopsy and treated with wide surgical removal plus follow-up anti-cancer medication; some may be hereditary.
Fibrosarcomas in Dogs and Cats
Fibrosarcoma is a malignant fibrous tumor and the second most common oral tumor in dogs, often arising in skull or long bones, firm, invasive, and bleed-prone. It is treated by surgical removal with follow-up anti-cancer medication, and can be confused with infection.
Papillomas in Dogs and Cats
Papillomas are benign, virus-related warts that are common epidermal tumors of dogs and rare in cats, appearing as cauliflower-like growths that may bleed. Many regress untreated, while persistent ones are removed surgically or by freezing.
Melanomas in Dogs and Cats
Melanomas are pigmented tumors of dogs and cats that may be benign or malignant, favoring the mouth, eyes, rectum, and perineum. Wide surgical removal is used, but malignant melanosarcomas spread readily and carry a poor prognosis.
Perianal Adenomas in Dogs
Perianal adenomas are benign, often multiple anal-gland tumors of dogs linked to male hormones, which can ulcerate or become infected. They are removed surgically or by freezing, usually with castration, and malignant forms need follow-up anti-cancer medication.
Lipomas and Liposarcomas in Dogs and Cats
Lipomas are common, benign fatty tumors that grow slowly under the skin and rarely cause signs, while liposarcomas are the malignant, invasive form. Solid lumps are removed surgically and weight control supports recovery.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats
Squamous cell carcinoma is a sun-linked skin tumor that is the second most common in cats, favoring the ears, lips, and nose and often invading bone. It is diagnosed by biopsy and treated with wide surgical removal, though recurrence is common.
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