Lumps, Bumps, and Tumours

This week I was invited to a friend’s house to watch the European Champion’s League football match between Real Madrid and Manchester United.  As I entered the TV room, I met for the first time my host’s dog Spike and immediately noticed a melon-sized lump attached to the side of his chest.

 

Spike is fawn-coloured and short haired, and probably has some Great Dane blood in him as he stands very tall and slim.  Eight year old Spike is in very good health for his age but, as you would imagine, the neo-formation attached to his chest diminished his looks somewhat.

 

Having never met me before and trailing none of the usual scents of a veterinary clinic, Spike was understandably taken aback when yours truly suddenly exhibited an interest in his torso.  This is a bit over-familiar, he probably thought to himself.  But Spike being a gentle fellow and his master clearly in agreement, he allowed himself to be subjected to exploratory examination.

 

The words neoplasm, tumour, benign, malignant, cancer, and metastasis, are all terms which are commonly used and, unless well understood may cause unnessary anxiety, or over complacency if underrated.

 A neoplasm is the abnormal growth of cells of the body which when physically visible is refered to as a tumour. When tumours are malignant  they are invasive or have the ability to metastisis or move to another part of the body. Malignant tumours are generally life threatening and the word cancer is reserved to malignant tumours. Benign tumours  on the other hand are typically contained, are non invasive  and normally non life threatening , they can however , as in Spike’s case grow to enormous sizes.

 

Tumours can occur anywhere and everywhere in the body and are unfortunately common in dogs and cats as much as in humans.  Size is not really an indicator as to the severity of the tumour; nor is it an indication as to whether or not it should be removed.  Location, type, growth rate and general condition of the dog or cat are far more important factors to consider.

 

 

Depending on what type of tumour we are looking at, a biopsy can sometimes be performed whereby a small portion of the tumour is removed for microscopic examination. This helps determine first of all whether it is a neoplasm and if it is,whether it has benign or malignant characteristics.  Sometimes, even benign tumours can be life threatening.  For example, benign tumours could occlude a vital organ such as the airways or the intestine, they could grow in areas such as the ear canal where they cause irresparable damage; sometimes, they have a tendency to bleed and cause anaemia if left untreated.

Whenever you see a lump or bump on your dog or cat which persists and which should not be there, have it seem to by your veterinarian who is best placed to give you advice as to how or whether it should be treated.  Together, you can discuss the available options for possible removal, biopsy, treatment, or maybe even adopt a ‘wait and see’ approach.  As stated earlier, such decisions may depend on factors such as type, location, and growth rate.  These factors will also take into account the medical history and present medical condition of your dog or cat.

 As expected, Spike had a very large benign tumour.  During surgery, it was found to be a lipoma which is a type of neoplasm which originates from the cells of fatty or adipose tissue.  Spike is now walking even taller.

 

Dr Martin Debattista

Veterinary Surgeon

thisweekwiththevet@gmail.com