Cutaneous Lymphoma Plexus

When talking about cutaneous lymphoma plexus, vets mean round cell tumors found in dogs. Vets see dogs generally between the ages of five and 11 with this lymphoma. Two types exist: epitheliotropic and nonepitheliotropic forms.

  1. Identification

    • Cutaneous lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs. Small and medium-sized tumors cover a portion of the dog's body. Plexus refers to the network or nerves and blood vessels.

    Types

    • Epitheliotropic lymphoma has a mushroom like shape; just one tumor is uncommon. Nonepitheliotropic form is a type of lymphoma more commonly found in cats, not dogs. Animals with this type have another disease besides cutaneous lymphoma such as erythema, pruritus or scaling.

    Treatment

    • For generalized epitheliotropic lymphoma, vets administer five-medication chemotherapy, though prognosis is not good and repeated outbreaks occur. Radiation therapy could help; in humans, it has had positive results. Neither form of cutaneous lymphoma carry a positive prognosis. Retinoids may extend the dog's life.

    Future Treatments

    • Electron-beam radiation helps to slow the progression of lymphomas in humans, so the same could occur in dogs.