Carcinoma Cancer in Dogs

Like humans, dogs can suffer from many types of cancers. Carcinoma refers to a cancer that begins in epithelial cells, which are skin cells or cells making up the tissues that line the organs. Carcinomas are malignant, meaning they are cancerous, as opposed to benign tumors, which are not cancerous. Carcinomas can affect many different areas of a dog's body, from the mouth to the bladder.

  1. Significance

    • According to Dogtopics.com, mammary tumors are the most common tumors in female dogs that are not spayed. Dogcancerpatches.net reports that 60 to 70 percent of oral cancer in dogs can be attributed to squamous cell carcinoma, and about 450 out of 100,000 dogs suffer from skin cancer, with 20 to 30 percent of skin tumors in dogs being malignant. Carcinomas account for most epithelial tumors in dogs, according to a 2001 Cornell University paper by veterinary Margaret C. McEntee. Cancers that begin in one part of the body can spread to other parts of the body, and can eventually lead to death.

    Types

    • Carcinomas can be found throughout the body. Some known carcinomas occur in a dog's urinary tract, lungs, mouth, thyroid, skin, anal sac, bile duct, pyloric valve and mammary glands.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms depend on where the carcinoma occurs in the dog. For example, squamous cell carcinoma produces sores that can be shallow or deep and may be raised, and also can cause a growth on the skin. A thyroid carcinoma may be noticed because of a lump in the dog's neck. Other types of carcinomas may cause appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, coughing and wheezing and other symptoms that may also be mistaken for other illnesses.

    Diagnosis

    • X-rays, CT scans and other tests may be used to diagnose carcinoma in dogs. Veterinarians may use a needle and syringe to extract cells from a lump to be examined under a microscope or may perform a biopsy in which tissue is removed and examined. The veterinarian also will determine how quickly the tumor is growing.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the location and aggressiveness of a cancerous tumor, it may be removed with surgery or may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. Natural treatments such as herbs and supplements also may be used to boost the immune system and mitigate symptoms to make a dog more comfortable.