MAST-CELL TUMORS - CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Mast cell tumors are commonly diagnosed in small animal practice; howe ver, appropriate treatment and prognosis remain controversial. These t umors are considered malignant in dogs but generally are benign in cat s. Mast cell tumors are associated with various clinical signs that ar e related to the release of biologic mediators from the granules of th e neoplastic cells, and these signs may be the primary presenting comp laint. Clinical staging as well as histopathologic grading are importa nt in determining the treatment of choice and prognosis. Treatment con sists of several options, including surgery, radiation therapy, and ch emotherapy. This article summarizes the available information regardin g diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mast cell tumors and makes re commendations for therapy.