Stage III and IV tumors will have a poorer prognosis. This same study as well as another demonstrated that the combination of surgery and radiation therapy could improve the prognosis. Mast cell tumors have not been shown to be genetically transmitted. Their etiology is presently unknown. On rare occasions, mast cell tumors have been associated with chronic inflammation or the application of skin irritants.
Evidence remains lacking for a viral cause.
Kitchell, B., Erhart, N. Topics in small animal oncology. Selected veterinary oncology.