How effective is radiation on mast cell tumors?
About 6 weeks ago a lump on left front leg appeared out of nowhere, right behind the dewclaw. I took CJ to the vet who said that it was most likely an insect bite and gave her an anti-inflamatory. Around this time she started to get really finicky and lost her appetite. The lump reduced in size. About 2 weeks ago it increased in size so i took her back to the vet. They removed the tumor and had it biopsied. It turned out to be a 2 cm Mast Cell Tumor, grade 2. It was not encapsulated. The mitotic index was 2. Because of the location of the tumor, they could not get really good margins but the margin they did get showed evidence of mast cells. The oncologist recommended four treatment options: 1 – do nothing 2 – Conventional chemotherapy with Vinblastine and Lomustine. 3 – Masitinib. 4 – Radiation 5 days a week for 4 weeks. I don’t know what to do! The vet said that chemo was only mildly effective and recommended radiation. I’m really scared about the expense but want to do what I can wi
