Mastocytoma in dogs is one of the most common types of tumors in our four-legged friends. Still, many pet parents don't have much idea about what it really is, how to recognize that their dog has developed one, and what to do with their friend after diagnosis. To help you in a situation like this, we talked to veterinarian Caroline Gripp, who isspecialized in veterinary oncology, take a look at what she explained about canine mastocytoma!

What is mastocytoma in dogs?

Canine mastocytoma is a neoplasm belonging to the group of round cell tumors. "Mastocytoma is a very common type of skin tumor in dogs - and it can also affect cats. It is a malignant tumor, there is no benign mastocytoma. What exists are mastocytomas with different behaviors ", explains Caroline. Mastocytoma in dogs occurs when there is an abnormal proliferation of skin cells.Lately, it is considered one of the most common tumors that can affect dogs.

What are the different types of canine mastocytoma?

There are different types of mastocytoma: skin (or subcutaneous) and visceral. "Visceral mastocytomas are rarer. The most common presentation is skin," explains the specialist. When it is in the cutaneous form, the nodules present themselves in the shape of small balls, usually 1 to 30 cm in diameter. In addition, they can appear alone or in a set. Most of the time they are found in the skin.manifest in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, but there are cases of mastocytoma in the larynx, trachea, salivary gland, gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. In addition, in mastocytoma in dogs, there are no symptoms other than the nodules themselves, which makes diagnosis difficult.