Chemotherapy

As with all tumors, prompt recognition and treatment is very important in obtaining the best possible outcome. Mast cell tumors can present in a wide variety of ways and can have an equally varied set of symptoms and outcomes. In addition, dogs with Stage I tumors have the best prognosis, compared to those staged higher. Because it is difficult to diagnose a mast cell tumor by visual inspection, it is important that all suspicious-looking skin tumors be examined by a veterinarian and followed up with diagnostic testing and identification. This is the treatment of choice, and if performed correctly, will usually cure Grade I and Grade II tumors. In some cases, surgical removal may not be an option, or it may not be possible to remove enough margin around a tumor. 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.

Dogs with tumors on the limbs appear to have the best prognosis. Conclusion

The lower the grade, the better prognosis. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors do not respond well to these drugs.

It is important that the tumor is carefully removed and a large area of 'healthy' tissue around the tumor is also removed. Radiation is most useful when the tumors have not spread to multiple areas of the body.

These include vinblastine, lomustine, and corticosteroids, such as prednisolone.

Dogs with mast cell tumors in the internal organs, such as the spleen or bone marrow, have the least favorable 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. Treatment consists of surgical removal and radiation, and possibly chemotherapy. 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. 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.

This drug is marketed by Pfizer Animal Health under the trade name Palladia. Mast cell tumors are usually treated by surgical removal. For more information please visit mast cell
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.

What is the prognosis for dogs with mast cell tumors?

Radiation therapy after surgical removal appears to be beneficial and may reduce the incidence of reoccurrence and increase survival rates. The prognosis depends primarily upon the grade and stage of the tumor. Surgical Removal

Radiation

Palladia is a prescription medication designed to treat grade II-III, recurrent, mast cell tumors of the skin. Those with tumors in the nail bed, genital areas, muzzle, and mouth have a poorer prognosis. This medication is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor called toceranib phosphate.

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