The pathologist , upon evaluating the microscopic features of a tumor, assigns the tumor a grade. The grade will enable the oncologist to predict the aggressiveness of a tumor. This refers to the edges of the specimen removed by surgery. Two common sites of metastasis are the lungs or lymph nodes. A veterinary oncologist, is a doctor that has specialized in this field.
Oncologists can become board-certified by completing a residency and passing certifying exams.
All oncologists are not necessarily board certified. However, cancer is very unpredictable, as its interaction between the host, the disease and treatment vary for each animal patient. The prognosis can be either positive or guarded. In order to best determine treatment options, the use of tests, e.g., ultrasounds, blood work, x-rays and aspiration are used. This process will help determine how far the cancer has progressed and whether it has spread.