Round Cell Cancer in Dogs

Round cell tumors may occur in dogs and often appear as skin cancer, transmissable venereal tumors and lymphosarcoma. They are often malignant; thus, treatment is required to ensure survival. If your dog has symptoms of round cell tumors, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is important.

  1. Identification

    • The shape of canine round cell tumors is oval to round. These tumors often appear on the skin and can be diagnosed through fine needle aspiration. This procedure involves removing tumor cells with a needle and examining them under a microscope. Common forms of round cell tumors are lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors and histiocytoma.

    Mast Cell Tumor

    • A mast cell tumor is a form of round cell cancer, accounting for about 21 percent of all canine skin tumors. They occur most often in middle-aged to older dogs. Certain breeds may be at increased risk of developing mast cell tumors, including boxers, Boston terriers, labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and shar-peis. This type of round cell tumor usually occurs on the skin, but can appear on the spleen, kidneys, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Most dogs that develop this type of round cell tumor exhibit a single lesion, usually malignant, according to the Veterinary Clinical Pathology Clerkship Program at the University of Georgia.

    Venereal Tumors

    • Transmissable venereal tumors are a form of round cell cancer spread through sexual contact and most common in dogs allowed to roam free. Female dogs are more susceptible to venereal tumors than male dogs. Venereal tumors appear as bright red to pink and are most commonly found on the genitals, but may also occur in the mouth and nose. Symptoms may include abnormal odor, genital discharge and excessive licking. The prognosis for this type of round cell cancer in dogs is generally good because it rarely spreads to other organs.

    Lymphoma

    • Cutaneous lymphoma is a rare form of round cell cancer in dogs occurring in about three to eight percent of all lymphomas. Cutaneous lymphoma is most common in middle-aged to older dogs and is usually found in multiple tumors on the skin. To make a proper diagnosis, a veterinarian may take a biopsy. The prognosis is poor because recurrence is common.

    Considerations

    • If your dog has a lump or bump on the skin or under the skin, it is important to consult your veterinarian. Treatment requires removal. Early diagnosis means a better chance of recovery.