Mesenchymal tumor

Dr. Marie replied:

Thank you for sending me a copy of the cytology report. That really helps:



A mesenchymal tumor is one that arises from cells in the connective tissue. There are many different kinds, some of which are quite serious and some of which are completely benign.

The fact that the cytologist is recognizing these cells as mesenchymal means that they're not just normal skin cells. There is definitely some type of growth process there. However, it is often hard on a fine needle aspirate (even if the cells weren't broken) to determine whether this is cancerous or not.

One cancerous possibility is that this could be a fibrosarcoma. Fibrosarcomas are often treatable if they can be completely removed. Given that this is a small lump, there's a great chance that it can be completely removed. As fibrosarcomas grow, they can start to infiltrate into muscle and between muscle layers and get very difficult to remove completely. These are the cases where I worry. But, a pea sized tumor means that even if it is a fibrosarcoma then there is a good chance that it can be cured with surgery.

It could also be something called a fibroma which is a benign lump that will most definitely be cured with surgery.

A mast cell tumor is another type of mesenchymal tumor. Usually though, mast cell tumors are fairly obvious on cytology. The fact that the cytologist didn't suggest a mast cell tumor makes this less likely. But, if it was a mast cell tumor then there are different types. Some are quite benign and others can be quite serious.

There are other types of mesenchymal tumors as well. However, at this point it really is just a guess. The purpose of the fine needle aspirate was to tell us whether surgery was necessary. So, now we now that this is a lump that needs to be removed as opposed to a minor cyst or wart or something like that. Once it is removed your vet will send the lump away and the results from the histopathology will give you more conclusive answers.

I know that waiting is hard. But, the fact that this is still a small lump is a really good sign.

I hope things work out ok.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

It's very unlikely that the bump from the door caused this. We don't really know why these these come up but I can't say I have ever seen one that was caused by a trauma.

Dr. Marie