Canine Tumors

Anus	Anal Sac Gland Tumors	Anal Sac Gland Adenoma - Benign canine tumors arising in the wall of the anal sac often 2-4 cm in size Anal Sac Gland Carcinoma - simple malignant canine tumors arising in the wall of the anal gland often 2-4 cm in size	Anal Sac Gland Adenoma - this benign tumor can generally be removed through outpatient surgery Anal Sac Gland Carcinoma - These cancerous cells must be treated through chemotherapy, radiation or surgery
Bones	Bone Tumors	There are numerous forms of bone tumors that are usually malignant and found in dogs of all breeds, but the most common form is osteosarcoma, which is a malignant tumor of the bone which spreads very rapidly. Common symptoms are limping, bone pain and swelling. This type of bone tumor is very common among large and giant breeds. Osteosarcoma will spread to other areas of the body extremely fast, so it’s crucial to catch it as soon as possible.	Treatment depends greatly on the type of bone tumor, but the most common forms of treatment are chemotherapy, radiation, drug therapy, surgery and amputation of limbs.
Ears	Ceruminous Gland Tumors	These glands are found in the external ear canal and produce a brown waxy material. There are different forms of both benign and malignant ceruminous gland tumors. They may appear smooth or ulcerated, soft or firm, and be brownish in color. Secondary infection of the ear is common.	Treatment for these tumors differs depending on whether they are benign or malignant. They may be surgically removed or require chemotherapy or radiation.
Ears	Ear Tumors	Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma (see above) - rare malignant tumors that grow in the ear canal. Basal cell tumor - Simply basal cell canine tumors (see "Skin" section) that grows in the ear canal Sebaceous gland tumor - nodular masses that grow in the ear canal	Therapy and treatment for ear canine tumors depend on the size type and location of the ear tumor. Surgical removal is the most common form of treatment, usually accompanied by antibiotics.
Eyes	Meibomian Tumors	These tumors form on the Meibomian glands also known as the tarsal glands which are located in the inner corner of the eye. They can be either benign or malignant but the large majority are benign. They range in color from black to dark grey to white.	For the majority of these tumors, surgical removal is curative. But, there are cases in which additional therapy is necessary.
Genitals	Testicular Tumors	These canine tumors form on the testes of intact male dogs. The three most common types of testicular tumors are: sertoli cell tumors, interstitial tumors and seminoma. The average age of dogs that develop these tumors is 10 years old. Soft or firm swelling of one or both testes might be present along with scrotal enlargement and asymmetrical testes.	Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of each case. Common treatments of testicular tumors includes surgical removal of both testes, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Antibiotics might be recommended during recovery.
Genitals	Transmissible Venereal Tumor	This tumor is actually spread simply by physical touch and can be found on both male and female dogs of any breed. It is commonly found on the genitals and is often spread by mating. It can also be spread by sniffing or playing and can be found on the nose mouth and anal area. In most cases the tumor is not malignant and simply grows in one area. These tumors often appear as round red growths surrounded by black.	Treatments for these canine tumors are usually successful and include surgical removal, external beam radiation and a specific type of chemotherapy.
Internal Organs- Bladder	Transitional Cell Carcinoma	This is a very invasive and difficult tumor of the bladder that often causes partial or complete blockage. It is a malignant tumor that, because of its location, is very difficult, if not impossible to remove. Bloody urine and straining to urinate are the most common symptoms of this tumor.	Unfortunately, very little treatment options are available for transitional cell carcinoma. Because it is nearly impossible to surgically remove these canine tumors, the tumors will continue to spread. If the tumor is very small, it might be possible to surgically remove a small part of the bladder. There are other available treatment options but the majority simply prolongs life or makes life more comfortable for the remaining time.
Internal Organs- Brain	Meningioma	This is the most common form of brain tumor that occurs in dogs and is much more common in dogs over the age of 6. Meningiomas are generally benign and do not spread to other areas of the body but cause damage by creating swelling and compression in the skull. Seizures are the most common symptom of meningioma.	Treatments for this brain tumor include medication, surgery and radiation. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location and maturity of the tumor.
Internal Organs- Lungs	Primary Lung Tumors	These tumors are carcinomas that grow in the epithelial tissues surrounding the lung. Lung tumors are more common among dogs that live in urban areas and dogs who are exposed to second hand smoke. But the general cause of lung tumors or lung cancer is unknown.	Treatment for lung tumors includes surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue and chemotherapy in some cases.
Internal Organs- Mammary Glands	Mammary Tumors	Mammary tumors only occur in female dogs, and today, 1 in 4 unspayed female dogs will be diagnosed with some type of Mammary tumor in their lifetime. Females who were spayed before their first heat are at very low risk for developing mammary tumors. There are both benign and malignant forms of mammary tumors. About 50% of these tumors are benign and easily treated.	Treatment for malignant mammary tumors includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and anti-estrogen therapy. Benign mammary tumors can often be removed surgically and certain types can be left alone with no harm to the dog.
Internal Organs- Pancreas	Gastrinoma	Gastrinoma is a malignant tumor that forms in the pancreas and secretes a hormone called gastrin. This hormone then stimulates acid secretion in the stomach, which causes ulceration. This is a rare type of tumor.	Treatment for these canine tumors depend on the severity of the tumor and the effects it has had on the stomach and surrounding ulcerations. Generally, surgical removal is recommended which may require hospitalization.
Internal Organs - Spleen	Splenic Masses	These tumors can be either benign or malignant and grow from the red pulp of the spleen. These tumors will eventually rupture and cause life threatening blood loss levels. In most cases, survival depends on the removal of the spleen.	The most effective treatment for benign and malignant splenic masses is surgical removal. Chemotherapy following surgical removal is a good option for malignant tumors. Antibiotics are often prescribed during recovery.
Internal Organs - Uterus	Uterine Tumors	These tumors form in the uterus of intact female dogs of an older age. These tumors are more commonly benign but can also be malignant.	The most common treatment for these tumors is removal of the uterus. In select cases, chemotherapy may be recommended for treatment of malignant tumors. A good way to prevent these tumors is to have the female dog spayed.
Limbs	Hemangio- pericytoma	This is a commonly found tumor in canines and appears as a round nudule generally on the limbs. It is associated with blood vessels and is sometimes the result of a chromosome abnormality. This tumor is malignant but does not grow rapidly like other cancerous growths and can be present in a dog for many years before it’s detected.	The most common treatment options for these canine tumors are chemotherapy, radiation and/or amputation of the limb.
Mouth/ Skin	Papilloma	This is a benign tumor that is caused by infection with papillomavirus, which is a double stranded DNA virus. They are usually small, solitary lesions. There are 3 different types that can form on canines, appearing as multiple lesions on the skin, multiple lesions in the mouth or swelling of the epidermis inward.	Many papilloma tumors will regress slowly on their own, but this process may take anywhere from weeks to months. If the tumors do not regress, it may be an indication of an underlying immunodeficiency. Rarely, these tumors can progress into carcinomas, which will then require additional treatments.
Neck/ Throat	Chondro- sarcoma (Larynx & Trachea)	Also known as canine tumors of the larynx and trachea, located in the throat of the dog. Both tumors are malignant but slow growing and rare.	For smaller canine tumors of this type, surgical removal may be possible. Also, removal of the larynx and associated tumor may be an option, along with radiation therapy and antibiotic therapy.
Nose/ Snout	Chondro- sarcoma (Nasal & Paranasal)	These canine tumors grow in the nasal passages and surrounding recesses. They are slow growing tumors that range in size and shape.	Treatments depend on the size and severity of the tumor but chemotherapy, radiation and medication are common treatments.
Nose/ Snout	Fibrosar- coma (Nasal and Paranasal Sinus)	Tumors of the nasal passages, which are generally slow growing and malignant. They range in size and shape but can cause deformity of the face along with bulging eyes and other difficult side effects.	Therapies and treatments range from surgery to radiation to chemotherapy depending on the individual tumor. Antibiotics may also be used.
Nose/ Snout	Nasal Passage Tumors	Tumors of the nasal passages tend to grow into surrounding tissue but rarely spread to other areas of the body. They commonly appear reddish or black in color.	Treatment depends upon many various factors such as size and maturity, but the most common treatments are surgical removal, radiation and chemotherapy.
Skin	Apocrine Gland Tumors	These skin tumors can be both benign and malignant and come in many different forms. These tumors are commonly found in the dermis of the skin, ranging in size from 1-4 cm and are often filled with a fluid that can range from clear to brown.	Treatment for apocrine gland canine tumors ranges greatly from case to case. Benign skin tumors can often be removed surgically, while metastasized, or cancerous tumors require chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Skin	Basal Cell Tumor	This common skin tumor is a proliferation of cells that form on the basal cell layer of the normal epidermis.	These benign tumors can generally be removed through a surgical procedure.
Skin	Basosquamous Carcinoma	A cancerous outward growth of basal cells, which is freely movable over the subcutaneous tissue. Seen less often on the head and neck and more often on other parts of the body.	These malignant canine tumors must be treated through chemotherapy, radiation or a surgical procedure.
Skin	Benign Melanocytic Tumors	Melanocytoma - a benign tumor arising from the epidermis, dermis or adnexa, primarily from the external root of the hair follicles Melanoacan- thoma - Rare tumors with features of a Melanocytoma tumor and a epithelial neoplasm, appear as nodular masses	The treatment differs between the two types of tumors, but the most common benign form can be removed surgically.
Skin	Mast Cell Tumors	These tumors are very common in canines. Mast cells are present in every health body, but when they go awry, they can come together and form tumors made up of many mast cells. The appearance of mast cell tumors differs depending on the grade, size and maturity. They are generally round raised growths that tend to be reddish black in color.	There are many different grades of mast cell tumors which, along with other factors, determines diagnosis and treatment. The common treatments for mast cell tumors are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Skin/ Mouth	Papilloma	This is a benign tumor that is caused by infection with papillomavirus, which is a double stranded DNA virus. They are usually small, solitary lesions. There are 3 different types that can form on canines, appearing as multiple lesions on the skin, multiple lesions in the mouth or swelling of the epidermis inward.	Many papilloma tumors will regress slowly on their own, but this process may take anywhere from weeks to months. If the tumors do not regress, it may be an indication of an underlying immunodeficiency. Rarely, these tumors can progress into carcinomas, which will then require additional treatments.
Skin	Sebaceous Gland Tumors	Sebaceous glands are located within the dermis of the skin and they produce an oily film that empties into the hair follicle. These tumors can be both benign and malignant. The appearance of these skin tumors varies greatly between types and can range in size from .5 cm to 10cm.	Treatment depends in the diagnosis of the tumor but the most common treatments include surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and antibiotics.
Skin	Skin Cancer (also see specific types of skin cancer above and below)	The skin is the most common place that cancer is diagnosed in dogs. Skin cancer includes growths of cells on the skin, glands, and supportive tissues, such as fat and connective tissues. There are four classifications of skin cancer both benign and malignant. Most skin cancers appear as a lump on top of or underneath the skin or as a sore that just won’t heal.	Treatments vary widely and are based on the diagnosed classification of the skin cancer. The most common treatments are surgical removal and chemotherapy.
Skin	Squamous Cell Carcinoma	This is a tumor of the epidermal cells and is most common among dogs with little to no fur, but has been diagnosed on many various breeds. The area around the tumor may appear sunburned, with redness and swelling. After time the tumor may appear brown, crusty and wrinkly.	If untreated this tumor may extend into the surrounding nerves and tissue. Common treatments are surgical removal used along with antibiotics.
Multiple	Hemangio- sarcoma	This is a malignant tumor which forms from blood vessel cells. They can form anywhere blood vessels are present, but most commonly on the skin, spleen and heart. The skin form of this tumor appears as a rosy red or black growth and is associated with sun exposure.	Treatment depends greatly on the type of tumor and the location of the tumor. The skin form is least obtrusive and generally easily removed through surgery. The internal tumors are much more serious and tend to spread quickly throughout the body. These tumors are almost always fatal but surgery or other treatments may extend the life for a few months.
Multiple	Hepatoid Gland Tumors	Hepatoid glands are only found in the canine species and are generally located around the anus, or in portions of the tail, hindlimbs, abdomen and very occasionally in other sites in the body. These glands continue to grow throughout the life of a dog. The majority of these tumors are benign but they can be malignant.	Treatment for the benign tumors of this type is generally surgical removal. Treatment for the malignant form of this tumor will differ from case to case but generally require some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.

What is a Tumor?

Understanding the Difference Between Benign & Malignant Canine Tumors

Are Certain Dogs Predisposed to Canine Tumors?

Is the Growth of a Canine Tumor Reversible?

Are There Any Holistic Treatments Available to Cure Canine Tumors?

Overview of Different Types of Canine Tumors and Their Common Treatments

Canine Tumors - What You Should Do Next