The mitotic rate is low. The cytoplasm is abundant, polyhedral with distinct cell margins. The surgical margins examined are clear. The neoplasm is histologically well differentiated. This suggests a low grade of malignancy and a limited metastatic potential.
Surgical excision appears to be complete but the prognosis is still guarded.
Our vet is not as optomistic. He said the likelihood is that the cancer will creep up elsewhere in the future. He said even though it is a slow growing cancer, that the size of the tumor indicates he's had it for a while. He also said even though the surgeon didn't find any other tumors on his liver, kidneys, stomach, etc. that we should not expect the dog to be completely cured. He tells us we might have a few months to a year with the dog.