In dogs, the term "chest tumor" can refer to any number of tumors occurring in or around the chest cavity. Dogs who display signs of an illness or have unusual new growths should be seen by a trained veterinarian for diagnosis and prompt treatment.
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Misconceptions
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Many pet owners assume that the word "tumor" instantly means a malignant, deadly cancer. Fortunately, this is not true. Not all chest tumors are malignant. Some canine chest tumors are simply unusual, benign growths.
Types
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In dogs, there are several types of tumors that can occur in and around the chest cavity. This includes lung tumors, mammary (breast) tumors and mediastinal lymphoma, which arises from lymphatic tissue in the chest cavity.
Symptoms
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Symptoms may vary greatly depending on the type of cancer or tumor present. For example, a mammary tumor may only present itself as a lump with no other symptoms, whereas signs of lung cancer can include trouble breathing or chronic coughing.
Diagnosis
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Chest tumors can be located easily with the use of an X-ray or ultrasound machine. The veterinarian may also need to take a sample of the tumor to determine if it&'s malignant or benign.
Treatment
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Treatment will vary depending on the severity and location of the chest tumor. Small, scattered tumors in the lungs may not be removed surgically, whereas a tumor located in the mammary gland may be more easily removed. Should the tumor turn out to be malignant, other treatment options include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
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