Mast Cell Tumours

The following is by no means an exhaustive list and is meant to provide a basic description of the more common cancers that afflict our dogs. We have provided links to more detailed information on other websites under Cancer Support.

Mast Cell Tumours (also called mastocytomas, mast cell sarcomas) are another very common cancer in dogs with a similar incidence to Lymphoma. Mast cells are immune cells that are responsible for allergies. Mast cells can be found in all tissues of the body but typically form tumors on the skin. These tumours can range from relatively benign to extremely aggressive.

These tumors may occur in dogs of any age with the average being between 8-10 years. They may occur anywhere on the body surface as well as on internal organs, but the limbs (especially the rear upper thigh), abdomen and chest are the most common sites. The tumors are very variable in size, and can often develop rapidly. Depending on the location of the tumour, surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is used to treat Mast Cell Tumours, with surgery generally being the first line of treatment.

Some dogs with Mast Cell Tumours will exhibit vomiting as one of their early signs. Many breeds appear to be predisposed, especially Boxers and Pugs (in which tumors are often multiple), Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Weimeraners, Schnauzers and Boston Terriers.

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