Spindle cell sarcoma or carcinoma is a type of cancer normally seen in connective tissues of dogs. Sarcoma refers to the supportive tissues, while carcinoma refers to the area of the body such as breast or pancreas. In canines, these tumors are typically found on the limbs, but they may appear on any part of the body.
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Significance
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Spindle cell tumors are more common in larger, middle-aged or older dogs. About 7 percent of tumors diagnosed in canines will be spindle cell tumors.
Identification
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The spindle cell tumor may initially be identified as a fatty tumor. A fatty tumor is a benign tumor that can have the same characteristics as a cancerous growth. Only a veterinarian can confirm what kind of tumor it is.
Diagnosis
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In some cases, the outer part of the spindle cell tumor may be benign while the core of the tumor is cancerous. The tumor will be aspirated first; if results are inconclusive, a veterinarian will do a biopsy.
Treatment
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Chemotherapy has not been an effective against spindle cell tumors. The tumor and tissue around it, such as the affected limb, is generally removed through surgery. In some cases, radiation may be an option.
Prognosis
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Slow-growing spindle cell tumors have a 25 percent chance of recurrence. Dogs with this type of growth generally survive two to four years after diagnosis. High-grade tumors, which are rare, have a 62 percent chance of recurrence. The average survival time is about 49 weeks.
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