In some cases surgical removal may not be an option. Radiation therapy after surgical removal appears to be beneficial and may reduce the incidence of reoccurrence and increase survival rates. When dealing with mast cell tumors and their wide variety of forms, it is important to remember that each animal needs to be evaluated and treated individually. Conclusion Mast cell tumors can present in a wide variety of ways and can have an equally varied set of symptoms and outcomes. Because it is difficult to diagnose a mast cell tumor by visual inspection, it is important that all suspicious looking skin tumors be examined by a veterinarian and followed up with diagnostic testing and identification.
Treatment consists of surgical removal and radiation.
As with all tumors, prompt recognition and treatment is very important in obtaining the best possible outcome. References Bonagura, J. Current Veterinary Therapy 12. Published by WB Saunders. Ettinger, S. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Published by Saunders.