Should tumor be removed?

Dr. Marie replied:

I can understand how confusing this could be. The main issue here is that there are so many different types of tumors. Some are easy to diagnose with a fine needle aspirate which is the test that your vet did. And some are not.

It sounds to me like your vet was able to see abnormal cells on the sample but could not tell whether they were malignant or not.

An example of this could be a mast cell tumor. A fine needle aspirate could tell us that a mast cell tumor is present. But, not even a pathologist could tell you whether or not the tumor is malignant from looking at a fine needle aspirate. Mast cell tumors can be grade 1, 2, or 3. The only way to tell the difference is to look at the actual tissue, not just a fine needle aspirate. A grade 1 mast cell tumor is a benign tumor that once removed, is usually cured. A grade 3 mast cell tumor is a very serious matter that can spread to other organs.


I have had some cases where in my office, I can tell that a tumor is likely but to get more information I will send the sample to a pathologist. It certainly won't hurt to ask your vet if they are likely to get more information by sending the sample to a pathologist. But, if they say that this is unlikely then this is probably true.

If this is a hard lump it could be either a spindle cell tumor or a fibrosarcoma. Both of these have the potential to be very serious. If we deal with them when they are small then they are much more likely to be cured. If we wait until they grow, especially on a limb, sometimes they can grow so large that they can't be fully removed.

If your vet is recommending removal I would agree that it is a good idea.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

Ah, I am glad that you had this removed. Thanks for the update!