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My dog had a mast cell tumor removed. What to expect? Prevent new lumps?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 9 lbs

My dog just had his Grade II mast cell tumour removed, what should we anticipate and how can we prevent more lumps from growing?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 12th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Twix. Mast cell tumors are one of the most common forms of skin cancer in dogs. If the margins were clean (meaning all of the cancerous cells were removed), then the mass should not recur. However, mast cell tumors are one of the more unpredictable types of cancer. I recommend closely monitoring his incision site at home for any regrowth. It is best to see his veterinarian at least every 6 months for an examination. At this visit a thorough physical examination will be performed to search for other masses or enlarged lymph nodes. Blood work should be monitored as well. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you or your veterinarian can do to prevent further growths from forming. If any new new growth is observed, a fine needle aspirate should be performed as soon as possible to determine the type of mass. If it requires surgical removal, it is always best to have it done while small for the best chance of achieving clean margins. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Good question. I would check with the veterinarian who should get the histopath report back soon to indicate whether the entire mass was removed or if there were cells left behind. If there were some cells left behind, due to infiltration into the surrounding tissue that was likely microscopic, then I would consider a referral to an oncologist to pursue chemotherapy if desired.

However, if all cancer cells were removed from the area, then you are in good shape. Monitor Twix for any new masses and always have them checked/tested by your vet as soon as they arise. Pets that develop mast cell tumors this young, typically will develop others in new places. There are unfortunately no known supplements or anything that have been proven to slow down the progression of new mast cell tumors; however, feeding Twix a high quality food is best.. Some good high quality foods to consider are Fromm, Royal Canin, Hill's Science diet, or Merrick just to name a few. Best wishes with your pet Twix and I hope that you can manage his future skin masses (if any) well here moving forward. Take care!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 18th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The metastatic rate (chance of being in other places) for a subcutaneous mast cell tumor will depend on things noted on the biopsy report such as the mitotic index. Assuming it looked typical and not too aggressive, the metastatic rate is usually less than 20%. Usually physical examinations every 3 months are recommended going forward to look for any evidence of regrowth of the tumor. Other than that, it is always recommended to continue to monitor for new masses as these may be seen and could be completely separate and unrelated to this mast cell tumor. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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