Histiocytoma vs Mast Cell Tumor In Dogs: Which is Worse?

Histiocytoma vs mast cell tumour in dogs: which is worse? Both histiocytomas and mast cell tumors are common skin tumors in dogs. Mast tumors are more likely to be cancerous, while histiocytomas are benign and slow growing. Read on to find out.

Histiocytoma and Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs: Comparing and Contrasting

Histiocytoma and mast cell tumors are two common forms of skin cancer in dogs. Both types of cancer can be life-threatening, but they differ in several ways. This article will compare the two skin cancers, including what causes them, how to diagnose them, and how to treat them. 

What is a Histiocytoma?

A histiocytoma is a benign tumor that typically appears as a small lump or bumps on a dog’s skin. The tumor is made up of cells called histiocytes which are part of the immune system’s macrophage family. These cells normally protect the body from infection, but sometimes they can become abnormal and form tumors. 

Diagnosis & Treatment of Histiocytomas: 

The first step in diagnosing a histiocytoma is for your veterinarian to perform a physical examination and take biopsies if necessary. If the mass is suspicious of cancer. Your vet may need further tests, such as radiographs or ultrasounds to determine whether it is malignant or benign. In most cases, histiocytomas do not require treatment since they typically go away within 6 months without treatment.

However, if the lump persists beyond that period or if it increases in size, then removal may be recommended. Surgery usually removes all traces of the tumor with minimal scarring and no need for additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

What Is A Mast Cell Tumor?  

Mast cell tumors are malignant tumors that develop from mast cells which are part of the body’s immune system and responsible for fighting off infections and foreign substances within the body. They can appear anywhere on your dog’s body but are most commonly found near hair follicles, giving them their characteristic round shape with an attached tuft of fur at one end resembling a top knot hairstyle. When these masses grow large enough to protrude outwards, they appear as lumps or bumps under the skin’s surface, ranging from yellowish-pink to dark reddish-purple in colour. 

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Mast Cell Tumors: 

Mast cell tumors require more comprehensive diagnostic testing than histiocytomas to make an accurate diagnosis since these tumors tend to be more aggressive. Your vet will likely recommend biopsy samples followed by imaging tests such as x-rays or MRI scans depending on where the mass is located within your dog’s body.

Once diagnosed with mast cell cancer, surgical removal is usually recommended though chemotherapy may also be employed depending on how advanced it has become when discovered. Typically surgery alone will suffice for removing all traces of this type of cancer. But radiation therapy may also be used if necessary. 

Comparison List: 

• Histiocytomas are generally benign, whereas mast cell tumors are malignant

• Diagnosis for histiocytomas only requires physical examination, whereas diagnosis for mast cell tumors requires imaging tests

• Treatment options for histiocytes include surgical removal, while diagnosis for mast cell tumors includes surgery plus possible radiation therapy/chemotherapy   

Important Info

• Early detection and treatment can increase the chances of survival in both types

• Removal options are available through surgery with minimal scarring in both types  

• A proper prognosis by your vet means you have time to prepare financially before treatment starts  

Wrap Up

In conclusion, early diagnosis and treatment play an important role in managing either type of skin cancer in dogs. Therefore, visit your vet regularly to check any suspicious lumps before they turn into something serious like either type of tumor mentioned here today. 

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