Mast Cell Tumor - Advice Needed

[MoparGirl]

I know several people have asked about mast cell tumors. One of our girls, Ella, had a bump by her nose for quite a long time. When it showed up at first, we had it aspirated and it came back as nothing. (We do monthly bump checks and have any of them checked out.) She had one very small mct grade 1 on her leg when she was about 3 and no more since. At our most recent bump check, the vet thought the bump by her nose looked bigger and aspirated it. They noticed mast cells in the sample and referred us to a surgical specialist due to it's location. We has the consult today. They aspirated her lymph node nearest the mass and sent it out for cytology as they were concerned that it might have mast cells as well. She will be on prednisone to attempt to shrink the tumor since it's in such a sensitive spot. Depending on what the cytology on the node shows, they may recommend removal of that as well. They mentioned radiation/chemotherapy as an additional option.

I'm just looking for advice. Considering that she's 8, that it might be a grade 2 or 3 and is on her muzzle, we aren't interested in making her miserable just to keep her with us out of selfishness. I also know that radiation and/or chemo can be very expensive.

We are doing benadryl (and looking back, we should have been on benadryl every day) twice a day. My husband and I are trying to keep calm but it's hard. Thank you in advance.

 

[Gatorblu]

I would consult an oncologist and ask about palladia as an option. If you do a thread search for palladia you will find several people have gone that route with good result. I am sorry you and your pup are dealing with this and know from first hand experience the gut retching feeling when they tell you your baby has a mct. We did surgery but my boys wasn't in such a bad spot and there were fewer options then.

 

[Independence]

Sorry to hear this news. My Indy had a bump on his face below his nose and for a long time came back negative. Then it grew quite fast. His was a grade III with lymphnode involvement by the time it was diagnosed. Palladia was still in the trial phase and wasn't available to may vets. We waited 2 months to get approved for the trial and the results were amazing. I think if it had been available immediately we would have had better results.

Chemo and radiation do not work well with Mast Cell Tumors. I agree with Gatorblu. Find an oncologist and at least discuss your options.

If you do a palladia search under health issue you will find my thread of Indy's treatments. There are also pictures of his progress but I will warn you they are not pretty.

Hoping you find the answers you need. We'll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Please keep us posted and feel free to ask if you have any questions.

 

[Cami]

There are many options available for higher grade MCT's and sadly a lot of times, those that appear on the head/face seem to be of a more aggressive nature. This isn't anything written in stone and of course there have been many grade 1's or grade 2's that mimic a grade 1 show up there.
There is a new clinical trial being done at OSU (Ohio State University) and my "niece" (my friends Boxer) was in the trial and had experienced great results. One of her bigger tumors was on her face.
Info here: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/dog-health-issues-questions/165166-new-clinical-trial-mcts.html

The thread got closed before I could offer additional updates however Sugar is doing great and went on to have a Vetalog injection into one of the tumors after doing so well with the trial drug. She is as happy as ever and will be turning 9 this year.

A surgeon would be suggested due to the location however your best bet at treating this tumor will be by an oncologist. They have far more insight into what is available, what is currently in the works and what is coming down the pipeline.

 

[LILYLARUE]

I certainly don't want to pass on bad info, but I came across this on a social site where another dog won't be receiving chemo for mast cells, but is willing to try this to give her a little longer.

http://www.****************************.com/cancer.htm

I know some other's on here are more educated on this protocol and can chime in on this.

 

[MoparGirl]

Thank you! The location that has the surgeon also has oncologists. I am going to call tomorrow and see if we can have an oncology consult at the same time as the recheck with the surgeon. At least, then we'll have the information all at once.

I will keep you posted and please keep the advice/information coming. I am so thankful for all of you!

 

[Gatorblu]

Take a note pad with you to write things down so you can process everything when you get home. It can be overwhelming while you are in the office.

 

[MoparGirl]

That's a great idea. I wish I would have done that before because I had not even considered lymph node involvement and could barely think/listen once that was mentioned. My husband and I are still reeling. We also worry for Ella's sister, Mia, as they have been together forever and are so bonded. They've been through a lot together (first owner dying, foster home, adoption, back to foster home, then to us - all in 2 1/2 years). As much as our hearts break at thinking the worst, we can't imagine what it would do to her. But! We are being realistic yet optimistic.

 

[MoparGirl]

Update

Just to update you all. Ella is in surgery right now to remove the mass and one lymph node. The mass did shrink some with the prednisone. Unfortunately, she got diarrhea with it and we had to reduce the dose and move up her recheck. As a result, we were unable to have our consult with the oncologist - but the surgeon discussed the case with the oncologist. The oncologist also recommended surgery due to the high risk of MCT on the muzzle. Since it is smaller, the surgeon felt that she could get at least 1/2 cm-1 cm margin on the side near her nose, which isn't ideal but is the best without taking part of her nostril. We are happy with that. In addition, she should only have a little lip curl/snarl after the surgery. The cytology on her lymph node was lost at the lab but we decided to go ahead and have that removed as a precaution.

Now we wait for her to be out of surgery and for the biopsy of both the mass and the lymph node. The lymph node was only mildly enlarged, so hopefully that is a good sign. I will update as soon as we know anything.

Thanks again for all of your advice. Regardless of the outcome, we will be on benadryl and pepcid for the rest of her (and her sister Mia's) life.

 

[Gatorblu]

Prayers being said for an easy, successful surgery and a quick recovery! Remember to breathe! (I often find that to be a problem for me.) Keep us updated!