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ANUS
There are three different types of anus tumours. Pathology testing must be undertaken to indicate which type of tumour is found. The correct treatment can only be administered in accordance with the tumour type, grading and staging.
Any skin tumour can grow near the anus. Two types that ONLY grow near the anus are listed below, in addition to a third, epitheliotrophic lymphoma, which is more common there than elsewhere.
Anal sac carcinoma are all malignant though some can be slow growing. They form from the cells that line the inside of the anal glands The tumours look like firm swellings to the side of the anus. When large they will make it difficult for dogs to poo. They commonly spread to lymph nodes in front of the pelvis, as well as internal organs and the spine. For more detailed information on anal sac carcinoma.
Perianal adenoma are generally found within a few centimetres of the anus and are derived from the sebaceous glands that produce sebum. They are benign and often grow as a result of testosterone stimulation. Not surprisingly they are more common in unsterilized male dogs. Sterilised female dogs can still grow them, especially if they have an adrenal disease causing hormone production.
Epitheliotrophic lymphoma commonly involves the junction between skin and rectum at the anus. Epitheliotrophic is a slow form that is usually limited to the very surface until late in the disease process. It usually forms sores and scabs and tends to target the skin of the anus, as well as the lips around the mouth.
ADRENAL GLAND
There are two different types of cancer of the adrenal gland. Pathology testing must be undertaken to indicate which type of tumour is found. The correct treatment can only be administered in accordance with the tumour type, grading and staging.
Carcinoma is a malignant cancer of the adrenal gland. It is found in the outer layer of the adrenal gland known as the cortex. The benign form is known as a adenoma and are often detected by ultrasound or CT Scan which has been taken for another reason.
Pheochromocytoma is a malignant tumour found in the inner layer of the adrenal gland known as the medulla.
BLADDER
There are three different types of bladder cancer. Pathology testing must be undertaken to indicate which type of tumour is found. The correct treatment can only be administered in accordance with the tumour type, grading and staging.
Malignant transitional cell carcinoma accounts for almost all bladder tumours. It originates from the cells that line the bladder. They generally extend deep into the wall of the bladder and are more invasive in dogs than people. Most are not surgically removable and those that are usually grow back within 6-24 months. For more detailed information on transitional cell carcinoma.
Lymphoma of the bladder is rare.
Soft tissue sarcoma are a group of tumours that all form from any type of connective tissue. They therefore can have lots of names but the most common is fibrosarcoma. Benign tumours are uncommon.
BLOOD
There are two different types of blood cancer. Pathology testing must be undertaken to indicate which type of tumour is found. The correct treatment can only be administered in accordance with the tumour type, grading and staging.
Leukaemia
There are over a dozen types of leukaemia in dogs. They are grouped into acute (meaning rapid) and chronic (meaning slow).
Acute leukaemias half are similar to lymphoma, being cancerous lymphocytes and respond well to treatment, though often for months rather than years. The non-lymphocyte types are not recognised as doing well with therapy.
The chronic types are usually the lymphocyte form and can respond for long periods (years) with oral medication.
Multiple myeloma is a lot like chronic lymphocyte leukaemia and is from a plasma cell (which is a grown-up lymphocyte). It often responds well for 1-3 years on oral medication. It often involves bones as well as the blood. For more detailed information on multiple myeloma.
