What are Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths?
A growth in the mouth of your dog is defined as either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Diagnostic tests are the most accurate way to determine the origin of the growth, and to decide on the best plan of action. It is very important to bring your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups in order to assure quality and timely oral care.
Cancerous tumors, along with other types of swelling of oral tissues in the mouth are a somewhat common occurrence in dogs. Many oral growths in dogs, fortunately, have a high success rate of complete resolution if the growth is found early. Identification of the tumor is crucial. Benign lumps generally grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant growths can spread quickly to lymph nodes and organs, thus proving the need for prompt removal upon diagnosis.
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Symptoms of Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths in Dogs
Not all dogs who have an oral mass will display obvious symptoms. You may discover it as you brush their teeth (this should be a part of your daily dog care routine). Your canine may show pronounced symptoms of a growth as follows:
- Pawing or rubbing at their face (usually indicates pain)
- Visible sores
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Tooth displacement
- Chattering of teeth (can indicate pain)
- Not wanting to chew (may mean pain)
- Drooling
- Redness in mouth
- Swelling and ulceration in mouth
- Halitosis (unpleasant odor in the mouth)
Types
There are many types of growths that can be found in the canine mouth.
Cancerous (Malignant)
A cancerous mass will often invade the underlying tissues of the mouth. The most common forms are:
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Acanthomatous ameloblastoma
Noncancerous (Benign)
A noncancerous lump can occur due to instances of infection in oral tissue and are often tooth associated. These growths can be seen as:
- Osteomas
- Odontomas
- Fibromas
- Granulomas
Causes of Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths in Dogs
The growths found in a dog’s mouth may be identical in outward appearance. However, the severity of the harm they can do will depend on the type of tumor. Further investigation is paramount in order to assure a return to full health for your dog. Causes for a growth may be:
- Older, male dogs are diagnosed with oral cancer more so than younger canines, or their female counterparts
- Dogs with dark pigmented mucosa are more often diagnosed with cancerous growths
- Periodontal disease can lead to a noncancerous lump
- A damaged salivary gland may prompt the development of a growth
- The most common noncancerous growth is a tumor of the periodontal ligament (called an epulid)
Diagnosis of Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths in Dogs
The diagnosis of the growth will include the answer to a very important question. How far does the growth extend into the surrounding tissue? Dental radiographs of the mass will be done first. A biopsy taken from the growth will be necessary in order to get a microscopic view of the growth.
It should be noted that sometimes a growth can be removed at the time of biopsy (excisional biopsy). Although, in the majority of cases the veterinarian will resort to an incisional biopsy. An incisional biopsy will be performed to accurately determine the type of growth and the best avenue of treatment. The biopsy will be transferred to a pathologist for examination.
Depending on the initial diagnosis of the growth, further tests may be required such as chest x-ray, abdominal x-ray, and lymph node biopsy, particularly in the case of a cancerous growth. It is imperative to determine the extent that the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths in Dogs
A growth in the mouth is abnormal, no matter what the cause. Fortunately, noncancerous growths have a good prognosis for complete eradication. This is because benign lumps do not invade bone or spread to other tissues and have well-defined borders. Removal is often a simple surgery. Note, these growths can return.
Cancerous growths are more complicated. Surgery will most often include a removal of some of the surrounding oral tissue along with the growth, in order to eliminate the mass in it’s entirety. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may follow the surgery.
For example:
- Melanoma
- This cancer appears in the soft tissue cells of the tongue, cheeks, and jaws. There is a high rate of metastasis (spread) to the lymph nodes and lungs. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are the usual courses of treatment.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- This is a painful cancer that is found in mouth and throat tissues. Though the prognosis of recovery can be good, metastasis can be aggressive if not caught early. Due to the wide range of cancers and their unique characteristics, veterinarians must decide on a treatment course case by case. There are oral cancers that have a rare chance of spread, such as Fibrosarcoma. Others, like Osteosarcoma (originating in the bone) are extremely aggressive necessitating a longer, more invasive treatment.
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Recovery of Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths in Dogs
The length of recovery time for your dog will depend upon the surgery, as well as the need for follow-up radiation and chemotherapy.
A noncancerous growth can often be removed quite easily. It has been shown that canines recover fairly quickly from oral surgery and may be back to normal behavior within a day or two. Medication will be prescribed for pain if needed. A change in diet may be recommended until your dog’s mouth has completely healed from the surgery. Daily brushing of teeth and a weekly inspection of your pet’s mouth should be the norm, in order to check for a new or returning growth.
A canine cancer patient has a longer road of recovery ahead. Frequent visits to the clinic will be needed in order to assure that your dog is responding to the cancer treatments. As well, a dog who has had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor will have had in many cases, a large amount of tissue or bone that surrounded the growth, removed. This may mean a period of adjustment for your dog. It is known, however, that dogs often adjust to oral changes quickly without too much interruption to their eating habits.
Paying to treat cancerous and non-cancerous mouth growths out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.
Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths Average Cost
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Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd Dog
Maya
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling And Pain
My dog has severe pain in the gum area of her canines. Right beside her nose is slight swelling. She shakes and gets scared when my other dog comes near her or I try and touch her face. She has not been acting herself ever since going to the vet for a rabies shot!
Jan. 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. it is unlikely that the problem with her face, and her tooth, are related to having gotten her Rabies vaccine. The sensitivity in her mouth should be seen by your veterinarian to see what might be wrong, so that they can determine what can be done to make her more comfortable. I hope that she is okay.
Jan. 19, 2018
Hi, thank you the response. She is going to the vet tomorrow. Is there a chance it is cancer?
Jan. 19, 2018
Maya's Owner
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Doberman Pinscher
Capone
7 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Slight Discomfort Playing Ball
I am a former Tech, yet am injured. Long story short I am all about prevention, grain free, holistics, etc. Myself and my now Service Dog , that was surrendered to our Rescue has developed Diagnosed with benigb epulis/ canine hyperplasia. He just turned 7yo, MC Doberman. He gets titreed for all by Rabies as we were massively exposed to toxic waste and lost all. All my furkids and I miscarried fron hit. Teeth, hair, all being treated on me. I have all tumors FNA. Yet I do not feel a FNA is a definitive enough diagnosis for oral tumors. I brush daily making sure to keep any bacteria or calculus from collecting between the tumors and teeth or attaching. He has an appointment end of this Month with a Dental DVM Specialist for a consult as they were all smooth in appearance except one slightly lateral, and then the rest on his Maxilla, premolar . It has become slightly different not as smooth as the others. I requested Dental,Chest, Abd, Hip, extremities Rads to check for any metastasis. A CBC,CHEMISTRY, VwD DNA test, Free T-4 all clear. Issue I can't decide between Cryosurgery or a huge risk at laser/Co2 Anesthesia Sx. He can barely handle a light sedative or benedryl it hits him hard. I am terrified for so many reasons. He is my life, love, all I have after all we lost. Lives priceless. Not to mention he us my SD for Mobility. I don't trust the FNA as formentioned, yet his extensive testing my vet had him on a wait and watch. Until we both agreed this week we didn't like the appearance of the one. He has about 8 oral. All Skin tumors gave tested benign I took him to an oncologist. At that time he didn't have any oral tumors. I have researched Cryo was used alot then not so much now making a comeback. I would like to avoid anesthesia at any cost. He allows ANYTHING to be done . I perform his dentals myself to a point without getting bacteria internally. I have preformed hundreds on Pets at my prior job. I have no space for all I do for him to keep him in the best of health. Yet I will not lose anymore to that sesspool home and area. Rarely in Rescue papers follow his and his sister did, (Adopted.) The new Pet parents stated neither his litter mate (Red,), nor his mother have not one tumor? Grazie, help. I have begged vets to perform a local and remove about 3 larger ones. The few smaller epulis come off and grow back. Very rarely he rubs his face , yet E/D normal. I have bot iced okay ing ball I believe he is feeling them more. The largest is no larger than a pea to coffee bean (worrisome one,)So I believe approximately 10 mm the one on maxilla. All I can get under and none upon rads or palpation seem to be invasive to any bone. The rest a few with a small Skin tag epulI appearance and a bit of hyperplasia in the gums (overgrowth.) I have been on top of these like a hawk, yet torn between cryo and laser. I really do not want him and he does not require anesthesia. Still I know how terrible Field works and seems all want to toss under full anesthesia. After exposure I lost my prior Doberman and dsh kitty(A Dental with no extractions at 14 yo. He developed a hematoma , lingual.) My Doberman was having all lipomas removed 8. Leave them be IMO , turned out he has IMHA from Toxins. He made it. I bused him a Month and drained sermomas. Slept with my Stethoscope on him a Month. Yet a year later or less the toxins took him and 3 more of my furkids. DLH, Lizard, Dobe /Husky mix. All pointing at Toxins. RBC issues, GI Issues, Cancer.I have to make the right choice. They cannot stay as we know they can become malignant, it is the removal and why not a Vet will touch a case like ours. 0:(. These Chenicals extreme as we were exposed down to Environmental are killing our furkids. Side Note most pets passed terribly,on News, all in the contaminated area.
Jan. 2, 2018
2 Recommendations
Whilst I understand your concerns about anaesthesia, we need to be sure that Capone is comfortable during any procedure and more importantly will not move during any procedure; Veterinarians prefer when dogs are anaesthetised to avoid any problems especially in a large dog like a Doberman. Cryosurgery is making a come back but you would need to speak with a Veterinarian with experience in cryosurgery as I have read some instances where is may go wrong; also not every case is suitable for cryosurgery and needs to be considered on a case by case basis. Fine needle aspirate is a great, quick and easy diagnostic tool; however, a biopsy is better and preferred choice. I would wait for the appointment with the Veterinary Dentist at the end of the month and get their input on Capone’s condition, but anaesthesia is most likely required given your description. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 2, 2018
Thank You for your advice Dr. Apologies, for the typos,seems to occur on blogs? My issue is the risk of anaesthesia vs these oral tumors. From prior experience and our exposure, it never went well under Anaesthesia for my kiddos post toxic exposure. Prior to mass exposure of Love Canal,it (Chemicals,) shall I say,they had not built up such a mass amount at that time. They received 2 Dentals a year,perk at work, better health insurance then me, lol. With not a single issue.
Testing at our homes = Radiation,PCB's, Mercury,over 200 toxic chemicals,seeping still, and tested very high, way beyond what any human could handle. I have found a DVM that is very experienced in Cryo here, being in NYC we have many choices, waiting lists, yet choices. This DVM actually trains others to properly use Cryo. Being in the Field so long,thankfully, we never lost a Patient while myself, (Anaesthesia Tech,) and the Dr's Pt on his/her table, had our Sx days, from anaesthesia.
Please understand this is not the typical, understandable, worries, as most have about their furkiddos going under. I just cannot seem too locate much information as to what went wrong that they started, stopped and then are now, making a comeback with Cryo? I am concerned about the sloughing off and any infection or increase in size from what I have found, research wise. Then risking not obtaining a suitable biopsy. The FNA I am comfortable with on skin tumors, still oral, I myself have seen better results with biopsies. I am sure first thing you think is a Doberman, yet realize he is a very well trained SD, Search & Rescue and an excellent Pt. Isn't there any better option to get a biopsy without full anaesthesia? I understand,at least where I worked, we took every precaution in Sx. Sevo,pulse ox,I.V catheter,fluids,crash cart, manual as well as machine charting every 5 minutes,EKG,etc, you know the drill. Still at what point do you have to play Russian Roulette when every pet exposed at my prior home did not handle anaesthesia? When is it time, for the oath we both took,to lean more towards not so much ,"White Coat?" With technology advances in Medicine, there are vets that will remove a cyst with a local, why not? Slight discomfort for a minute to save his life? We have lidocaine and sedatives? With the speed many experienced DVM's have obtained with years of experience, I sincerely hope it isn't the fact the largest cost of Sx is the anaesthesia. Many humans are having ," Awake Sx," as they find more negative long term effects from Anaesthesia. If my dog can barely handle HW or Flea Meds, we both have consistent medication intolerance, both proved from the exposure, why not local? In fact I hated to ask for all those Rads, as little as it emits, we have been mass exposed to Radiation it takes a toll. However, I made the decision that making sure,prayers, they are all benign, JIC to check if not any metastatic.
Yes,it is true animals cannot handle the same medications as humans , however many medications are very much used with much smaller dosages. With his Hip Rads, he was knocked out and disoriented for 2 days from a mild sedative frim them at 5 yo. He did not require the Sedation,they stated he was excellent, yet Hospital Policy. He is kept at a 4 BS index to prevent arthritis as per his DVM. Still with all the labwork, rads, you would not recommend a light sedative to gather a small biopsy of the tumor of concern? Then decide if it is a life or death scenerio? Puting him fully under is high risk. Not just my opinion. If you can offer any reliable links or thoughts as to Cryo I would really appreciate it. As you read I have no issues with prevention,for me to say it is not safe, I mean it. Yet, I can't leave this tumor intact either. Warmest Regards.
Jan. 3, 2018
Capone's Owner
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Chihuahua
Lolli
15 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pawing Mouth
Lolli a 6.9 pound chihuahua is currently being treat for TCell cancer, she get vincristine week one, a pill that starts with a "C" that I give her week two, then vincristine again week three and then a strong chemo that free flows and takes an hour or so, starts with a "C" week four. I can get you the names just don't have them in front of me. Gets a week off then we go again for four weeks then 2 weeks off, which is where we are now. Her next chemo is the 31st of December. I got her October 15th or so, started chemo right away, also get prednisolone daily.
I adopted her from a rescue who pulled her for me, she had an abscess the size of her head under her chin which was removed, it was cancer and they think they got clean margins. In the last week she has been pawing at her mouth and cries out in pain when she does. The problem is she absolutely will not let you near her mouth, she is 15 or 16 and I am worried about sedating her to look in her mouth but am thinking it will need to be done. Her appetite is excellent always has been so do you think the risk of sedating her is worth it? How likely is it that the cancer has spread to her mouth? My vet says she is doing well with the chemo, her lymphnodes are almost normal size, she has a lot of scar tissue from her surgery and part of her lower jaw is gone but she is a happy girl, so much different from when I got her, she looks so much healthier.
Dec. 22, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Lolli. I think, given your description of everything that has happened in her mouth, that it would be very smart to sedate her to look in her mouth and see what is gong on. She is obviously bothered by it, and with her history, you need to know if something is happening in her mouth. Your veterinarian knows more about her health status otherwise, and can advise whether she is healthy enough to be sedated. There are very safe sedatives available that would be enough just to look in her mouth.
Dec. 22, 2017
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Cancerous and Noncancerous Mouth Growths Average Cost
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