My dog has a bump. Can vets diagnose mast cell tumors by microscope?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 7th, 2018

  Many veterinarians can identify mast cell tumors under the microscope. However, sometimes they can look different than expected so we can’t say for sure. But if it had all the same cells, it should go. It looks small and your vet should be able to take plenty of surrounding tissue in that area so hopefully that will be the end of it. You can always have that tissue sent to the lab to have it identified for sure.
  
  Best of luck to you and Precious!

  

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• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 7th, 2018

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Precious. A fine needle aspirate is an in office procedure used to diagnose a skin mass. The cells are collected and evaluated under the microscope. A mast cell tumor has distinctive cells and many times can be identified in this way. If the cells are questionable, the slides can be submitted for a review by a pathologist. Alternatively, the mass can be surgically removed and the whole mass submitted to the laboratory for diagnosis. I hope this information helps!

  

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• Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 7th, 2018

  Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. In many situations surgical removal and histopathology by a trained pathologist is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis. Fine needle aspirate (sticking a needle in mass to get cells) may give an impression of they type of mass, but it is not a firm diagnosis. Many times removal can be curative as well as diagnostic. Best of luck for a good diagnosis and outcome for Precious.

  

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• Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 26th, 2020

  Hello,
  
  This appears to be a skin growth, not a sore or wound. He is likely licking at it because it is bothering him. This growth looks like one of two very common things, but may be something else entirely as well. I would be suspicious of a benign growth called a Histioctyoma, which is something that generally goes away on its own within a few months without intervention. However, Bandit may need a cone to keep himself from traumatizing it while it runs its course. As well, I am also concerned for something called a mast cell tumor, which is unfortunately a type of cancer that can affect both young and old dogs. Mast cell tumors can have a prognoses range from poor to great, entirely depending on the grade of tumor- this can be determined from a surgical biopsy.
  I would recommend having Bandit seen by his veterinarian soon. They will likely recommend a test called a fine needle aspirate to look at cytology, or the cells under the microscope. This test can generally tell us if we are dealing with one of the two common masses I just mentioned, and then your vet can guide you on the next best step from there.
  
  I hope this helps. Best of luck to you and Bandit.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful