Oral Cancer in Dogs

Unfortunately, cancer is among the diseases that can also be seen in our furry friends. Oral cancer, which is common in dogs, is a disease that can be treated if diagnosed early, but if left untreated, it can lead to sad and undesirable consequences. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about oral cancer in dogs.

What is Oral Cancer in Dogs?

6% of cancer cases in dogs are oral cancer. Oral tumors are particularly common in male dogs. Oral tumors can be defined as abnormal growth and irregular replication of cells located in the mouth. Some of these tumors grow slowly and do not spread; others are malignant and both grow and spread. Oral tumors are the most common cause of oral cancer in dogs. While oral cancer in dogs is commonly found in the roof of the mouth and around the gums, it should be remembered that it can occur anywhere in the mouth. Certain dog breeds are more prone to oral tumors. Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners, Golden Retievers, Gordon Setters, Toy Poodles, Chow Chows, and Boxers are some of these breeds. The most common type of oral cancer in dogs is melanoma. The average age of onset for oral cancer in dogs is 11. Oral melanoma is regionally infiltrative and can progress deep into the bone. It also causes metastasis in 80% of dogs.

Oral tumors are more common in certain dog breeds. Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners, Golden Retievers, Gordon Setters, Toy Poodles, Chow Chows, and Boxers are some of these breeds. The most common type of oral cancer in dogs is melanoma. The average age of onset for oral cancer in dogs is 11. Oral melanoma is regionally infiltrative and can progress deep into the bone. It also causes metastasis in 80% of dogs.

Types of Oral Tumors in Dogs

Tumors are abnormal growths or swellings. Several types of tumors can form in the mouths of dogs. In some cases, swelling and redness can occur in the oral tissues due to infection. These swellings can easily be mistaken for tumors. Periodontal diseases can also cause swelling in the gums. However, these swellings are seen in the gums around one or more teeth and do not become cancerous. However, some swellings become cancerous, and there are different types of cancerous swellings.

Oral Malignant Melanoma

This type of cancer occurs in pigmented cells located in the tongue line, cheeks, chin, and oral cavity and is among the most common types. Oral malignant melanoma is more common in Golden Retriever, Dachshund, Scottish Retriever, and Poodle breeds. The tumors are usually black or dark brown, with only a small area of ​​white or pink. It is a highly invasive type of cancer and often spreads to the lymph nodes or lungs. Chest X-rays or lymph node biopsies are recommended for dogs with oral malignant melanoma. The tumor is usually removed surgically. Alternatively, radiation or chemotherapy are also available. The chances of successful treatment for oral malignant melanoma vary depending on the size of the tumor and when it is detected.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can occur in dogs, cats, and humans. It commonly appears in the lip and throat area. These tumors are usually red and can rupture, causing pain in the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma, one of the invasive oral tumors in dogs, usually spreads to the underlying soft tissue or jawbone. Squamous cell carcinoma is easily treated if it does not spread to other tissues. However, treatment is more difficult if it occurs in the tonsils, as this type of cancer aggressively spreads from the tonsils to other parts of the body. The primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is surgical removal of the main tumor. The bone tissue beneath it is also removed along with the cancerous cells. Complete removal of the tumor can lead to successful treatment. However, if the tumor is very large or has spread to other areas, radiation or chemotherapy may also be necessary.

Fibrosarkoma

Fibrosarcoma is a type of cancer caused by tumors that occur in the soft tissue at the base of the mouth. This type of cancer spreads by branching out into the surrounding tissue like a vine. Therefore, in the treatment of fibrosarcoma, a portion of the seemingly healthy tissue surrounding the tumor is also removed. These tumors rarely spread. They usually have a smooth and firm structure. Because fibrosarcoma tumors spread very slowly, the treatment and recovery process is generally positive. When the tumor itself and the branches it sends to spread are successfully removed, the chance of recovery is almost 100%. There is also a subtype of tumor called low-grade fibrosarcoma, also known as high-grade fibrosarcoma, which is histologically low-grade. Although this tumor appears benign when biopsied, it has a very aggressive structure. In some cases, it spreads so quickly and invades the surrounding healthy tissue that surgery is not even possible. Low-grade fibrosarcoma can be treated with surgery if diagnosed early. However, radiation therapy or chemotherapy is not possible for this tumor.

Osteosarkoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the bones. This cancer can occur in any bone, including the skull, feet, and vertebrae. Osteosarcoma is more easily treated when it occurs in the mouth than in other parts of the body. Osteosarcoma is also among the rapidly spreading types of cancer and can metastasize from the mouth to the lungs or other bones. Because it is so invasive, chest X-rays and lymph node biopsies are performed in dogs with osteosarcoma. Surgical intervention is required for treatment, and usually the entire bone where the tumor is located needs to be removed. Very rarely, positive results have been obtained with radiation therapy. Therefore, treatment methods other than surgery are generally not preferred.

Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma

Canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma is among the odontogenic tumor types. In this respect, it is a type of tumor that occurs in the structures supporting the tooth. This particular type of tumor occurs in the epithelial cells that form the surface of the structure. Acanthomatous ameloblastoma is locally aggressive and can spread to the supporting bone tissue under the tooth. Treatment requires removal of the tumor and the underlying bone. Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma Peripheral odontogenic fibroma, also known as ossifying fibroma epulis or fibroma epulis, are benign tumors. They occur in the structures supporting the tooth. In dogs, epulis are very slow-growing masses and usually do not spread to the underlying bone tissue, therefore they can be easily treated by surgical removal. However, peripheral odontogenic fibroma are known as tumors that can recur. When they recur, they have a more aggressive structure and can grow very quickly. Odontoma Odontoma are tumors that occur in tooth tissues and are benign. They are classified as compound or complex depending on their appearance. Odontoma is especially seen in young dogs under two years old. It usually manifests as a slowly growing swelling on the upper or lower jaw. Since it does not spread to other tissues, it is successfully treated by surgical removal. Papilloma Papilloma is a lump-like tumor that appears in the mouth of young dogs. It is caused by a virus, and dogs become resistant to this virus as they age. They usually disappear spontaneously and do not require treatment. However, in rare cases, lesions can spread in the mouth and interfere with chewing and swallowing. In such cases, the lesions need to be removed with laser or surgical methods. What are the Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs? Although there are many different types of oral cancer in dogs, the symptoms are generally common. In dogs, the most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

Periferik Odontojenik Fibroma

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma, also known as ossifying fibroma epulis or fibroma epulis, are benign tumors. They occur in the structures supporting the tooth. In dogs, epulis are very slow-growing masses and usually do not spread to the underlying bone tissue, therefore they can be easily treated by surgical removal. However, peripheral odontogenic fibromas are known as recurrent tumors. When they recur, they are more aggressive and can grow very quickly.

Odontoma

Odontomas are tumors that occur in the dental tissues and are benign. They are classified as compound or complex depending on their appearance. Odontomas are especially seen in young dogs under two years of age. They usually manifest as a slowly growing swelling in the upper or lower jaw. Since they do not spread to other tissues, they are successfully treated by surgical removal.

Papillom

Papilloma is a lump-like tumor that appears in the mouth of young dogs. It is caused by a virus, and dogs become resistant to this virus as they age. They usually disappear spontaneously and do not require treatment. However, in rare cases, lesions can spread in the mouth, interfering with chewing and swallowing. In such cases, the lesions need to be removed with laser or surgical methods.

What are the Symptoms of Cancer in Dogs?

Although there are many different types of oral cancer in dogs, the symptoms are generally common. In dogs;

• Bad breath,
• Yemek yemede zorlanma,
• Excessive drooling,
• Lethargy,
• Chewing on one side of the mouth,
• Bloody saliva,
• Weight loss. Some of these symptoms can easily be confused with other illnesses. Furthermore, the majority of cancer types have a high chance of successful treatment when diagnosed early. Therefore, it is necessary to visit a veterinarian without delay if you notice any symptoms of oral cancer.

Treatment of Oral Cancer in Dogs

There is no single treatment method for oral cancer in dogs. As mentioned above, the treatments for oral cancers caused by different oral tumors vary. Commonly, treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

Oral Cancer and Life Expectancy

When it comes to cancer, life expectancy is considered first, and the question "how long does a dog live with oral cancer?" is one of the first questions asked. This varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer. With early diagnosis and successful treatment, dogs can live for over 10 years after cancer. However, if it is detected late or has spread to other tissues in the body, this period is unfortunately quite short. In some types of cancer, the life expectancy is said to be as little as 6 months despite treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis is extremely important for successful treatment and a long life.