Mast Cell Tumor in 3 1/2 Year Old?

[courtney323]

We have been monitoring a growth on Maddie's shoulder the past few months. In that time, it has grown somewhat and changed shape a little. It is now a tad bigger than a pencil eraser (that's pretty big in my opinion).

The vet would like remove it surgically and biopsy it, so she is set to go under the knife on Wednesday morning.

The bump is pinkish and bald, and raised about 1/4 inch or so. They think it's either a Mast cell tumor or a hystiocytoma.

Does anyone know where I can find (photo) examples of the two, or do they have the same appearance? I'm anxious and a bit worried at the thought of this being cancer, since we've been "monitoring" it for some time now.

Thanks in advance for any help or good vibes you can offer!

 

[pyermoli]

First of all, I would like to send healing vibes to your baby.
Oscar had one of these and actually at almost the exact same age. I was so worried when they told me, I cried. He had it on one of his wrinkles on his face. He went into surgery and I was able to pick him up that day. As far as Oscar was concerned the surgery and the recovery didn't bother him. The most traumatic thing of all was wearing the cone. I wish you all the best and hope everything works out for the better. I wish a speedy recovery for your baby. Please let us know what you find out. I will keep my fingers crossed for good results. Here is a website ( I hope this helps).
http://www.vetinfo.com/dhistio.html#Histocytoma or button cell tumor

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

Scrapper had a histeocytoma on his elbow when he was about a year old. It looked like a round, pink bump about the size of a pencil eraser. But best to let the vet handle it if he's not sure.

 

[hausterbaby]

DOes it look anything like the thing that was growing inside of my dogs mouth? (See picture in my gallery)

Deuce just had it removed today but the vet said that it was probably not cancerous and there was no need to biopsy it... so we did not have it sent out.

Let me know if it looks similar!

Heather

 

[courtney323]

Just wanted to update this thread..

We found out yesterday that Maddie's lump was indeed cancerous. She had a Mast Cell Tumor. :(

The "good" news is that the margins look really clean and it has not spread. My poor princess has a gash about 5" long and lots of stitches.

My question: The vet did seem concerned that she is only 3 1/2 years old, and has these already (despite the fact that Boxers are prone to this). He feels that reoccurance is probably likely. Does anyone have experience with this?

Do any of you moderators or Mast Cell experts think that this is something to truly worry about (of course I'm terribly worried).

Anything I can do? Any supplements I can give her? I already feed her a premium kibble...

Thanks

 

[magsp]

Mast Cell Tumors

Two of my dogs have had mast cell tumors. One was diagnosed with a Grade 1 when she was 3 years old and the other with a grade 2 when he was only a year old. They are not boxers, but a pug and boston terrier respectively. These breeds are also predisposed to mast cell tumors. I have been told that they are more likely to, not necessarily have a recurrence of the same tumor, but have more tumors in the future. There is a difference. Recurrence of the same tumor in the same spot generally correlates with a poorer prognosis for the dog. If a dog develops additional, new mast cell tumors at different locations on the body during their lifetime it does not mean that the cancer has spread, but just that the dog is genetically predisposed to developing mast cell tumors. I take my dogs to their veterinary oncologist when I find new lumps on them. They aspirate the lumps and look for cancer cells. So far, all additional lumps have been benign (knock on wood), but I am sure that one of these days, there will be a new mast cell tumor.

I've been told that I just need to be extra vigilant with these dogs...take them in as soon as I notice a new lump that doesn't go away in a week or so. If one does turn out to be a mast cell tumor, I need to have it removed as quickly and completely as possible. Mast cell tumors are, generally, treatable if found early and removed completely... before they have a chance to spread to local lymph nodes.

I'm sure I'll always worry about these dogs, but now that I know more about the disease, I think I'm better prepared to deal with what may happen.

 

[lorishields]

EVERY boxer I've ever owned (I'm on #7) has had an MCT by the time they are 5. From the years of 5 and up, I'm ususally bringing them in every 1-2 years for growth removal.

They have been as high as grade 3, but always with clear margins. When they've passed to the bridge, they've died of issues that are not directly associated with the MCT's.

For my babies, MCT's have been a nuisance, not a death sentence! Once a lump is found, I just make sure that I rub every inch of their bodies more frequently to make sure no more lumps pop up.

 

[courtney323]

Thank you guys SO much for the insight! I just heard the word "cancer" and was freaked out instantly.

It's unfortunate that Boxers are so prone to these tumors. And, with Maddie being a rescue princess, there is no way for us to know her background!

We will of course, keep an eye out for any future growths.

Thanks again

 

[Austin's Mom]

Austin had a MCT removed when he was only 4. It's been 2 and a half years and no reoccurance. I thank God every day.

 

[carrie]

We just had Whitter in for surgery last week....he had a tumor growing on his foot that was about the size of a dime...he also has various skin tags...
We were so nervous...the vet sent them all out for biospy...and our little man is cancer free...
I thought he was awful young too...but the vet was concerned because he is a boxer...
I am going to scan my babies inch by inch...