Like their human companions, dogs are susceptible to many forms of cancer. Because the adrenal gland is responsible for regulating many different systems within animals, tumors there can become a serious type of cancer. Luckily, several treatment options are available.
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Types
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The adrenal gland is important to how the body of the dog is regulated, and a tumor on it can have severe health effects on the animal. Benign tumors are not cancerous, while malignant types are.
Indications
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Adrenal tumors are often first indicated by problems such as rapid heartbeat and blood pressure. Veterinary professionals typically confirm the presence of a tumor using ultrasound or other imaging methods.
Outlook
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In cases in which adrenal tumors are benign and not spreading, surgery can be used to remove the tumor, and it is often successful. Malignant tumors pose a higher risk, and the chances of recovery are not guaranteed, though surgery can still be attempted.
Treatment
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In cases of malignant adrenal tumors, medical treatment is a common alternative to surgery. Chemotherapy can help reduce the size of the tumor and extend the life of the animal.
Surgery
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Surgery is an option for removing malignant adrenal tumors, but it comes with a very high risk. Bleeding and internal damage during removal are major concerns. Consequently, surgical removal is often attempted only if medical treatment has failed.
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