Biological behavior of oral and perioral mast cell tumors in dogs: 44 cases (1996-2006)

Abstract

Results suggested that in dogs with MCTs arising from the oral mucosa, oral mucocutaneous junction, or perioral region of the muzzle, the presence of regional lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis was a negative prognostic factor. However, prolonged survival times could be achieved with treatment. In addition, CCR7 expression in the primary tumor was not significantly associated with the presence of regional lymph node metastasis or survival time.

Canine oral mucosal mast cell tumours

“…Another study has also shown that the prevalence of nodal metastases is higher in dogs with higher grade cutaneous tumours compared with low or intermediate‐grade tumours . The results of this study are consistent with a recent article which described 72% of dogs with oral and peri‐oral MCTs as having nodal metastases at presentation . MCTs arising from the canine muzzle have also been suggested to have a higher metastatic rate at the regional nodes .…”

“…This is a descriptive study outlining the presentation, signalment, metastatic behaviour, treatment and outcome of 33 dogs with MCTs arising from the oral mucosa. Previously only a much smaller number of cases have been specifically described affecting this site, and these tumours appear to have a different biological behaviour than their more common cutaneous counterparts …”

“…Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the most common malignant skin tumours in dogs . They are usually derived from haired skin, however, a proportion of the tumours are subcutaneous or arise from the mucocutaneous region or mucosal surfaces . There is substantial variability in the biological behaviour of cutaneous MCTs in dogs, and a histologic grading scheme developed by Patnaik for classification of MCTs affecting haired skin is one of the strongest prognostic indicators in affected patients.…”

“…In one study, MCTs located on the muzzle of 24 dogs had a high regional metastatic rate . Another reported a number of dogs with oral or peri‐oral MCTs which revealed a high‐regional lymph node metastatic rate and these dogs had a worse prognosis . Only 14 of these cases originated from the oral mucosa specifically therefore there is a requirement for a description of a larger series of cases.…”

Canine mast cell tumours: decision‐making and treatment

“…Several anatomical sites have been associated with more aggressive tumours and a more guarded prognosis; these sites include mucocutaneous junctions, oral mucosal, muzzle, subungual locations, and perineal and scrotal MCT (London and Thamm 2013, Elliot and others 2013, Hillman and others 2010). Conjunctival MCTs appear to carry a more favourable prognosis (Fife and others 2011).…”