Tumors that may be treated with cryosurgery are usually on the surface of the body and include those involving the skin, oral cavity, ears, and eyelids. Hyperthermia is often used with other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The use of a laser reduces blood loss and contamination of the surgical area, and decreases the potential for spreading tumor cells. Laser therapy may also be used in a form of treatment where first a drug is given that sensitizes the tumor cells to light, then the laser is used to irradiate the tumor with light, which activates the drug and the tumor tissue is destroyed. It is usually used with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Tumors treated by immunotherapy are usually small and localized.
The decision to treat a cancer is a difficult one, but just because your pet is diabetic does not mean cancer therapy should not be considered. Many diabetic pets have successfully undergone treatment for cancers. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may cure your pet of cancer. In other cases, treatment may not be able to cure your pet, but may be able to alleviate many of the problems associated with the cancer, improve your pet's quality of life, and give you many more years with your pet. The long-term prognosis, overall health of your pet, age, severity and duration of debilitation that will result from treatment, post operative care, and cost are all factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not to have your pet undergo cancer therapy.