Microvessel density is as a prognostic factor in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors

Abstract

Mast cell tumors represent almost 25% of canine skin neoplasms. These tumors are classified in three grades of differentiation, based on histological features. However, this grading system is a method based on subjective parameters, which generate intra-and interobserver variations. The microcirculation is an important feature to the primary tumor expansion, dissemination and metastasis, and there are essential evidences that increasing microvessel density is associated with short survival disease-free intervals. The purpose of the present study was to verify the prognostic value of the intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) in a set of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.