The recommended course of treatment will depend on the size, type, and location of the tumor, and whether it is malignant or benign.
Surgical Removal
In most cases, removal of the tumor is recommended. This is often the most effective and least expensive treatment option. Generally, a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue will also be removed in order to ensure that the entire tumor has been extracted. Since most hair follicle tumors are benign, prognosis following treatment is generally excellent and the condition is considered completely cured once the tumor has been successfully removed.
Laser and Cryotherapy
Small tumors located near the surface of the skin may be removed non-surgically using lasers or cryotherapy (freezing).
Treatment of Malignant Tumors
If the lab tests determine that the tumor is malignant, a consultation with a veterinary oncologist may be needed. In this case, it is possible that the cancer may spread to other areas of the body. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, partial removal may still increase survival chances. Radiation treatment or chemotherapy may also be recommended to reduce tumor size and increase the chances of survival. Unfortunately, malignant hair follicle tumors often metastasize very rapidly and may have spread significantly before the primary tumor has been noticed. In this case, prognosis is guarded at best.