However, under some conditions benign tumors can recur in the same location. I see this most frequently with mammary tumors in dogs. Cancer cells, unlike benign tumor cells, exhibit the properties of invasion and metastasis. The nomenclature of specific tumors also sheds light on their expected behavior and their origin. Most tumors are referred to by their tissue of origin and a suffix that indicates their nature.
Benign tumors are usually carry the suffix -oma.
Thus, a thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor of thyroid gland origin, while lymphosarcoma is a malignant cancer of lymph cells. The proper use of these terms is critical in order for the patient owner, veterinarian, and any specialists involved to communicate with each other clearly and effectively. As with most diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of tumors in dogs starts with you, the owner. The best cutting edge medicine cannot help a patient that is not examined by a doctor. Now, many tumors are external, and fairly easily noticed by owners.