Giant Cell Tumors

Dogs play an important role in families, and hearing a dog has a tumor may be a difficult time. Some tumors may not be as life-threatening as others, giant cell tumors for example. Giant cell tumors are rare in dogs, but when they do occur, most are benign.

  1. Giant Cell Tumors

    • Giant cell tumors, also referred to as malignant fibrous histiocytomas, contain an excess amount of white blood cells, and the tumor usually forms in soft tissue just below the skin or in the deep connective tissues. Tumors in the deep connective tissue may also spread into the surrounding muscle and bone.

    Symptoms

    • When you feel a lump under your dogs skin, this may be a sign that a giant cell tumor may be present. Other symptoms include rapid weight loss and loss of appetite. Some symptoms may occur that relate to a tumor in a particular location, such as difficulty walking when a tumor is on the leg.

    Diagnosis

    • Only a veterinarian can determine whether a dog has a giant cell tumor. The vet will note the symptoms, run blood work and may perform X-rays. If a mass is present, the veterinarian will perform a biopsy of the mass and will then examine the tissue.

    Treatment

    • Giant cell tumors are often resolved by removing the tumor surgically, though some tumors may require chemotherapy treatment before or after removal. In cases where the tumor is located on a front or back leg and inhibits the dog in comfort or quality of life, the veterinarian may recommend removing the limb.

    Follow-up Care

    • If your dog requires chemotherapy, there may be many side effects from the treatment. He may have severe nausea and vomiting, perhaps diarrhea as well. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications that will help with these symptoms. Surgical removal of a tumor may cause pain at the incision site, and your vet may prescribe pain medications.

    Prognosis

    • When a giant cell tumor is surgically removed, if all the tumor cells are removed from the edge of the tumor, the outlook is positive. However, once a dog has a giant cell tumor, there is often a recurrence.