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Canine Oral MelanomaMelanomas make up 30 percent to 40 percent of all oral tumors in dogs.1 They appear along the gums, the lip, the palate and sometimes the tongue.1 Canine oral melanoma can be a very aggressive cancer that should always be considered malignant regardless of the lab report.1 Tumors may spread directly to other locations in the head and neck, or they may invade adjacent bone tissue.1 Canine oral melanoma can readily metastasize to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and kidneys.2 The probability of curing the patient and eradicating a malignant oral tumor decreases with extension of the tumor from the primary site. So early detection is critical. Other factors that affect the prognosis of oral tumors include the location of the primary cancer, the size of the tumor and how much it has spread (see staging). 1Cronin K. Canine and feline oral tumors: Earlier is better. DVM 2006;37(7):6S-11S. |
More Info 1 Tumors of the oral cavity are relatively common in dogs. They may be benign or malignant. The most common malignant tumors of the mouth in dogs are:* 2Due to their location — often in the back of the mouth and palate — canine oral melanoma often go undiagnosed until they are advanced. This leads to a greater chance of malignant tumors spreading and reduces a dog’s chances of recovery.* Be sure to ask your veterinarian to do a thorough oral exam as part of your dog’s annual checkup. |
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