The most common sites of spread are the lymph nodes, bone marrow and spleen. In some cases, we may also do a bone marrow aspirate to look for mast cells there. We use the grade to help predict how the tumor will behave. For example, low-grade tumors are unlikely to spread so that complete surgical removal of the tumor may be the only treatment required. Treatment Options Treatment option for cutaneous mast cell tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and supportive care.
Surgery is usually our first treatment choice.
Because these tumors are invasive, the surgeon must remove the tumor with a large margin of normal tissue both around and underneath it to ensure complete removal. Mast cell tumors are deceptive and sometimes what we can see and feel represents only a small part of the tumor. Even when a large margin is taken, sometimes tumor cells are still left behind. When this occurs, additional treatment is needed, otherwise, there is the chance that the tumor might return. Options include another surgery or radiation therapy.