Not all skin tumors and skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, but all dog owners still need to know about skin cancer to give the best protection for their dogs. This article provides all you need to know about types, signs and symptoms and treatment of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer in Dogs Types

Malignant Melanoma

Melanoma affects melanocytes as pigmented cells. This type of skin cancer is found in the dog’s part of body that has hair. Malignant melanomas usually occur in the area covered with hair, but some melanomas also occur in mucous membrane and on the mouth. It is caused by genetic factor and it tends to grow fast and spread to other organs as liver and lungs ( canine lung cancer ).

Squamos Cell Carcinoma

This type of dog cancer is caused by sun exposure. The tumors often occur in abdomen and genitals. It can also occur on the feet which can cause limping and painful. It is believed that there is any correlation between papilloma virus and the development of Squamos cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is aggressive and it can cause much destruction of the tissue around the tumors.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors occur in mast cells of immune system. These tumors are the most common skin tumors in canines. In some cases, this tumor is caused by inflammation and irritants on the skin, but veteranian do not know what can cause mast cells tumor to develop. The hormones estrogen and progesterone may also effect the growth of cancer in dogs.

Skin Cancer in Dogs Symptoms and Signs

Here are some systemic symptoms of skin cancer:

– Losing appetite

– Vomiting

– Diarrhea

– Coughing

– Lethargy

– Wounds that cannot heal.

Skin tumors can occur as abnormal skin growth. It can be discovered by dog owners when grooming and examining their pets. Benign tumors are mostly painless and slow growing, while malignant tumors are rapidly growing and painful.

Treatment for Skin Cancer in Dogs

Treatment as chemotherapy may be considered for some types of tumors, especially when the tumors have spread to other tissues.

For the small tumors, cryosurgery may be considered. In addition, there is new treatment called photodynamic therapy. It uses a dye that is injected into a blood stream that localizes cancer cells. This treatment can cause the cell death. Photodynamic therapy is good when skin cancer in dogs occurs in inoperable locations