Talk Cancer

Question:

Hi all…. I’m not how many follow this NG consistantly, but I had posted a while back on whether or not to have a benign(according to the needle biopsy) mammary tumor removed on a 12 yr old EC in excellent health. After much soul searching, I decided on the surgery. She came through wonderfully, I was a wreck <g However, histology came back adenocarcinoma with abundant lymphatic invasion Now, of course, I’m trying to absorb any and all info I can on canine cancer. Can anyone recommend any excellent sites/ and or NG/mailing lists for this? Thanks much…. Cheryl and Treasure

Response:

I’m sorry the lump turned out to be malignant but I’m glad you posted this update. Maybe someone will learn not to allow their vet to assess a mammary tumour by fine needle aspirate.  Surgical removal and histopahology is the only way to approach mammary masses. You must not despair Cheryl because there is still a possibility your dog may have a normal lifespan.  The size of the mass has prognostic significance.  Mammary tumours under 3 cm (about 1 inch) are associated with a much better prognosis (once removed) than larger ones.  Hopefully she is spayed or was spayed at the time of lumpectomy because adenocarcinomas have receptors for estrogen so spaying sometimes improves survival times.  Chemotherapy can be pursued but it has not shown to be very effective in most dogs with MCTs.  I would consider treating with supplements which *may* help and shouldn’t do any harm.  Antioxidants such as vitamin E & C, selenium, glutathione and coenzyme Q10 may help.  Some believe ground flaxseed my be helpful as well. Here’s a ref on mammary tumours in dogs.  VetMedCenter – Consumer Home Page Good Luck, Dogen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all…. I’m not how many follow this NG consistantly, but I had posted a while back on whether or not to have a benign(according to the needle biopsy) mammary tumor removed on a 12 yr old EC in excellent health. After much soul searching, I decided on the surgery. She came through wonderfully, I was a wreck <g However, histology came back adenocarcinoma with abundant lymphatic invasion Now, of course, I’m trying to absorb any and all info I can on canine cancer. Can anyone recommend any excellent sites/ and or NG/mailing lists for this? Thanks much…. Cheryl and Treasure

Response: