Pet Cancer Definitions
Getting a cancer diagnosis for your pet is a trying experience and the terminology your are suddenly faced with can be bewildering. Below is a quick list of common terms and definitions associated with a potential cancer diagnosis.
Cancer – a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells leading to the formation of abnormal, malignant tissue that has the potential to spread to other parts of the body and is life threatening.
Tumor – an abnormal growth of tissue that can be either malignant or benign.
Benign Tumor – describes an abnormal growth, that left untreated, or treated only for symptoms, will not become life threatening. Some benign tumors can become life threatening due to their size or location.
Malignant Tumor – see cancer.
Metastasize – describes the ability of an abnormal growth in one location in the body to spread to another part of the body.
Neoplasm – abnormal or sudden growth often used in place of tumor. Can be benign, or malignant (cancer).
Carcinoma – type of cancer that starts in epithelial cells that line the skin, lungs, intestines and other organs.
Sarcoma – type of cancer that begins in bone, connective tissue, cartilage, fat, and other tissues.
Lymphoma – cancer originating in the lymphatic system. The most common cancer type in dogs and cats.
Leukemia – a type of cancer that forms in bloods cells.
Mast Cell Tumor – a common skin tumor in dogs that arises from a type of immune cell called a Mast Cell. Mast cells normally respond to a wide variety allergic conditions.
Osteosarcoma – bone cancer.
Melanoma – a type of skin cancer that arises from ‘melanocytes’, cells that influence skin color.
Hemangiosarcoma – a aggressive cancer of the blood vessels. Common in some large breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Portugese Water Dogs, it is found in all types of dogs.
Fibrosarcoma – cancer of the connective tissue. Often found in cats and often associated with some vaccinations. See VAFSTF for more details.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – type of skin cancer often found in the oral cavity of dogs. Usually localized and can be treated surgically.
