Tumors of the skin and associated structures

Abstract

Because of the location of skin tumors, afflicted dogs and cats are frequently presented to veterinarians for examination. The location also facilitates the use of radiation therapy for patients with skin tumors. Few animals treated with radiation therapy for skin tumors experience significant toxicity. Animals with a variety of skin tumors can benefit from treatment with radiation therapy. These tumors include mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, tumors of the digit, tumors of the ear canal, tumors of the cutaneous adnexa, mammary gland tumors, plasma cell tumors, cutaneous melanoma, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, and transmissible venereal tumors. The prognosis for individual patients varies with the tumor type and, in some cases, with the stage of the disease.