Lymphoma affects a wide array of animals, including human beings. The cutaneous form is isolated to the skin; however, most animals with the cutaneous form are also affected with other types of lymphoma.
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Symptoms
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Cutaneous lymphoma presents as lumps under the skin, although the skin will appear to be normal over the mass. Occasionally, hair loss and sores on the skin will occur at the site. The animal may display weight loss, lethargy, lack of appetite and depression.
Diagnosis
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Cutaneous lymphoma is most often diagnosed through biopsy.
Treatment
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In small animals, there are three treatment options. Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment, though radiation therapy and surgery work for localized disease. In large animals, corticosteroid therapy is often employed.
Prognosis
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Prognosis for most small animals is poor if the lymphoma is not caught early and treated. Large animals that suffer from cutaneous lymphoma have a good prognosis for long-term survival with the treatment options available.
Prevention
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The only preventive treatment is to monitor the animal's skin for growths that are unusual or very large.
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