What are the symptoms of mast cell tumors?
The appearance of mast cell tumors can be widely variable. They can be either benign or malignant and can be found on any part of the body. They are found most commonly on the trunk, limbs, and perineal (genital) area. Tumors can be found on the skin or in the underlying or subcutaneous tissue. They can be single or multiple and can be smooth, bumpy, or even ulcerated. Systemic signs, such as vomiting, duodenal ulcers, blood in the stool, and abnormalities in blood clotting occur in some dogs with mast cell tumors. These signs result from the release of histamine, etc. from the active mast cell tumors. How are mast cell tumors diagnosed? Since they occur in a variety of shapes and locations, a biopsy or needle aspirate (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. This is perf
