How are mast cell tumors in dogs diagnosed?
Since they occur in a variety of shapes and locations, a biopsy (collecting some tumor cells through a needle and examining them under the microscope) is necessary to properly identify a growth as a mast cell tumor. Mast cell tumors are commonly graded and staged, meaning classified as to how they are expected to behave and grow. This is performed by examining the tumor after it has been removed. The grading and staging help determine what type of further treatment may be necessary and the prognosis. How to Grade Mast Cell Tumors? Mast cell tumors are “graded” as to how likely they are to be malignant. The higher the grade, the more serious the tumor. • Grade I: Occur in the skin and are considered benign. Although they may be large and difficult to remove, they tend to not spread to other areas of the body. Most mast cell tumors are Grade I. • Grade II: Extend below the skin into the subcutaneous tissues. Their cells show some characteristics of malignancy and their response to treatm
