Neoplasia, or cancer, occurs when normal cells mutate. Cancer can affect any part of the body, including the bones or the blood. Any type of cancer is an unwanted diagnosis for a dog and her owner. Unfortunately, there are several different areas of the neck that can be affected by cancer, along with several different types of cancer that can affect the neck. Owners who notice their dog displaying any signs of a neck-related health issue should seek veterinary care immediately.
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Types
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In dogs, the larynx, the trachea and the esophagus can be affected by cancer. Within these areas of the neck, several different types of cancers can also arise. This includes adenocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These names are all determined by the type of cell within the neck that is producing the cancer. For example, lymphoma can signify that the lymph tissue in the neck is affected and producing the cancerous cells.
Causes
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Cancers affecting the larynx, trachea and esophagus are all rare in dogs. However, like with any type of cancer, the cause is usually unknown. It may occur because of contact or consumption of certain carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. This can include chemicals found in their dog food, repeated exposure to pesticides, herbicides or flea and tick preventatives.
Symptoms
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Neck cancers in canines produce symptoms that are often directly related to the neck itself. Dogs with laryngeal tumors will display a change in their bark or their overall voice. They may suffer from a loss of appetite as well. Both laryngeal tumors and tracheal cancer can cause exercise intolerance, though tracheal cancer may also cause mild to severe coughing. Meanwhile, dogs with esophageal cancer may have issues with swallowing, eating and regurgitation. They may also have weight loss and general debilitation.
Diagnosis
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Once any type of cancer is suspected, the affected dog will undergo a variety of diagnostic tests. Canine neck cancers may require X-rays to detect abnormal growths within the neck. There may also be a biopsy of the affected tissue if a mass is detected. Dogs with esophageal cancer may also undergo an esophagoscopy, which is a technique that looks for visual abnormalities inside the esophagus. If metastasis is suspected, additional X-rays, CT scans or a magnetic resonance imaging exam may be used to determine the extent of the spreading.
Treatment and Prognosis
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Treatment for any type of canine neck cancer will vary based on the size of the tumor, the location and whether metastasis has occurred. Some dogs may be able to undergo surgical removal of the tumor and still retain proper function of their neck muscles. Other dogs may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these cancers are all relatively rare, so a prognosis may be difficult to make. Many dogs with these cancers may have a poor prognosis simply because of the location of the tumor.
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