Skin cancer in cats and dogs. | *A blog for Pets*

Many types of skin tumors, both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous), exist. Approximately 20-40% of primary skin tumors are
malignant in dogs and 50-65% are malignant in cats.

Not all forms of skin cancer in cats and dogs are caused by sun exposure, but it can happen occasionally. On dogs, the nose and pads of the feet contain sensitive skin and no fur to protect from the sun.
Also, cats and dogs with thin or light-colored coats are at a higher risk of sun damage over their entire bodies.

Malignant Melanoma???????????????????????????? Dog breeds

Malignant melanoma affects pigmented cells called melanocytes. Cats and dogs often develop benign tumors in these cells, which do not metastasize. These tumors are found on areas of the body that has hair. Most malignant melanomas occur on the mouth or mucous membranes, but they are occasionally found on parts of the body covered with hair. They tend to grow extremely fast and are likely to spread to other organs, including the lungs and liver. The cause of melanomas remains unknown, although genetic factors seem to play a role. Additionally, trauma or compulsive licking of a particular spot on the skin may increase the likelihood that cells will multiply, thereby raising the chances that cells will mutate during the division process and become cancerous.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This form of skin cancer is often caused by exposure to the sun. Firm and often raised tumors usually occur in the abdomen or genitals, but can also occur on the feet, which can be painful and cause limping. Scientists believe there may also be a connection between the papilloma virus and the development of squamous cell tumors in certain dogs. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has also been linked to the development of squamous cell carcinoma in cats, although it is unclear what role the virus plays in the development of these tumors.

Mast Cell Tumors

These skin cancers, which occur in the mast cells of the immune system, are the most common skin tumors in canines. Mast cell tumors are the second most common skin tumor in the cat, accounting approximately for 20% of all skin tumors. Veterinarians don?t know what causes mast cell tumors to develop, although there have been cases where they have been linked to inflammation or irritants on the skin. Evidence suggests genetic factors are often important, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone may also affect cancer growth.

Basal Cell Tumors???????????????????????????????????? Cat breeds

This is the most common type of skin cancer in cats. It is more common in older cats, often appearing as a single growth on the head. Basal cell tumors occur as small nodular growths beneath the skin, often next to each other, producing solid sheets of bumps. They also tend to occur on the back and upper chest. Basal cell tumors enlarge locally and spread by direct extension. They do not usually metastasize. Basal cell tumors are most commonly seen in Siamese and domestic longhaired cats. Rarely, basal cell tumors become malignant. This occurs primarily in Persian cats.

Signs and symptoms

Skin tumors are usually discovered by pet owners as abnormal growths on the skin while examining or grooming their pets. Most benign tumors are slow growing and painless, with well defined boundaries and freely movable. In contrast, malignant tumors tend to be rapidly growing and often ulcerated with ill-defined boundaries.
Cats and dogs sometimes experience itchiness because of the cancer, which might cause them to scratch or chew at the affected area. This will often lead to redness of the skin or a flaky appearance.

Diagnosis

Typically, either cytologic or histopathologic analysis of the suspected mass is done prior to initiating treatment. The commonly used diagnostic procedures for skin tumors are fine-needle aspiration cytology and tissue biopsy.
Cytology is an important tool that can help the veterinarian distinguish a tumor from inflammatory lesions. The biopsy technique used will largely depend on the tumor's size and location. Small masses are usually completely excised and sent to the pathology lab to confirm that the surrounding healthy tissues that were excised along with the tumor do not contain any cancer cells. If the tumor is larger, a small sample is removed for analysis and depending on the results, appropriate treatment is chosen. Depending on the tumor type and its level of aggressiveness, additional diagnostic tests can include blood tests to assess the pet?s overall health, chest X-rays to check for lung metastasis, and abdominal ultrasound to check for metastasis to other internal organs.

Treatment

The specific treatment will depend on the tumor's type, location, size, and whether the cancer has spread to other organs. Surgical removal of the tumor remains the standard treatment of choice, but additional forms of therapy such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy exist.
When detected early, skin cancer in cats and dogs can often be treated successfully. In many cases, a biopsy can remove the whole tumor, as long as the healthy tissues removed from just outside the tumor area do not contain any cancer cells.
source :? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_cancer_in_cats_and_dogs

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