Mast Cell Tumor Coming Back on a Senior Dog's Leg
Reader Question
Our 10 year old springer had surgery for a malignant mast cell tumor on her leg - it seems the tumor may be coming back - what is the best decision? Could she have another surgery on the same leg? there wasn't much tissue there to begin with. She's 10 - what to do?
Answer from Our Team
We're sorry she's facing this again. Mast cell tumors on the legs are hard to remove with wide margins because there is little spare skin, so regrowth is common. The first step is to have the new lump sampled to confirm it is the same tumor.
Depending on the tumor's grade and whether it has spread, options can include a second surgery (sometimes with a skin graft or reconstruction), radiation therapy after surgery, amputation, or drug treatments that target mast cell tumors. A veterinary oncologist can review her biopsy report, check her lymph nodes and help you weigh what is realistic and kind at her age.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
