A mast cell tumor is the most common malignant skin cancer in dogs. It accounts for roughly 7% to 21% of all canine skin tumors, and many cases are very treatable when caught early.
If you have found a new lump on your dog, you are already doing the right thing by paying attention. Here is what Tulsa and Green Country pet owners should know.
Mast cell tumors grow from immune cells that release histamine. They can look like a harmless bump, change size quickly, or become red and itchy. A simple needle test from your veterinarian is usually the first step, and surgical removal is the primary treatment for many low-grade tumors.
Mast cell tumors develop when mast cells grow abnormally. Mast cells are part of the immune system and normally help the body respond to allergens and insect bites by releasing histamine.
The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetics play a clear role. Certain breeds face a higher risk:
Mast cell tumors most often appear in middle-aged to older dogs, typically around 8 to 10 years old. That said, any dog of any breed can develop one.
A mast cell tumor can look like almost anything. Some resemble a harmless wart or insect bite, which is why no lump should be judged by appearance alone.
Common signs include:
A veterinarian cannot confirm a mast cell tumor by looking at it. Testing is the only way to know.
Diagnosis usually starts with a fine-needle aspirate. Your veterinarian uses a small needle to collect cells from the lump and examines them under a microscope.
If mast cells are found, a biopsy is the next step. A biopsy allows a pathologist to grade the tumor, which helps predict how it will behave.
Two grading systems are commonly used:
Staging checks whether the cancer has spread. This may include lymph node sampling, blood work, abdominal ultrasound, or X-rays. Advanced imaging at Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, including CT and abdominal ultrasound, is interpreted by board-certified specialists to give your family clear answers.
Research on canine mast cell tumor diagnosis and grading is summarized in this peer-reviewed review from the National Library of Medicine.
Treatment depends on the tumor's grade, size, location, and whether it has spread. Your veterinary team will tailor a plan to your dog's specific needs.
Surgery is the primary treatment for low-grade, localized tumors. Surgeons remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue, and complete removal can be curative for many dogs.
Medications help manage histamine-related symptoms. Antihistamines (H1 and H2 blockers) and steroids such as prednisone are commonly used and may also help shrink the tumor.
Additional therapies may be recommended for high-grade, incompletely removed, or spreading tumors:
The American College of Veterinary Surgeons offers additional guidance on surgical treatment for mast cell tumors.
Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists in Tulsa is home to the state's largest veterinary referral surgical center. Our surgeons are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS).
Each of our surgeons completed four to six years of advanced surgical training after veterinary school. That training matters for mast cell tumors, where achieving clean surgical margins plays a key role in your dog's outcome.
We work alongside your primary care veterinarian. If your veterinarian finds a mast cell tumor, they can refer your dog to our team for surgery, advanced imaging, or internal medicine consultation. After treatment, we coordinate follow-up care so your dog transitions smoothly back to their regular veterinarian.
We understand that hearing the word "cancer" is frightening. Our team will explain every step clearly, answer your questions, and walk through options that fit your family.
Ready to talk with a specialist? Ask your veterinarian about a referral, or call Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists at 918-299-4900. Learn more about our surgical team at okvets.com.
Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists delivers 24-hour emergency care and board-certified specialty services with advanced technology and compassionate treatment.
