What is Malignant Melanoma?
Malignant melanoma is often fatal within one year even with treatment to remove the cancer. The average survival time for this disease is up to about 10 months, though dogs can live up to 36 months with immediate surgical removal of the melanoma. The only treatment is surgery because chemotherapy and radiation are not effective. There are four stages of malignant melanoma and each has its own survival time.
- Stage one (smaller than 2 cm): about twelve months
- Stage two (2-4 cm): about eight months
- Stage three (larger than 4 cm or tumor that has spread): about four months
- Stage four (extensive metastasis): about one month
Malignant melanomas in dogs are cancerous lesions or tumors on the skin, mouth, or toenails. These are more common in older male dogs and certain breeds such as Schnauzers and Terriers. The most often seen melanoma is a raised and ulcerated nodule that is darker than the surrounding skin, although some melanomas are amelanotic (not pigmented). Malignant melanomas are an aggressive type of cancer that frequently spread into other areas of the body.
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Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
The signs that your dog may have malignant melanoma can vary depending on where the cancer originates. The three most common places are the mouth (oral), skin, or toes.
Oral
- Dark (black, brown, grey) lump or lesion on mouth, tongue, lips, or gums
- Facial swelling
- Bloody drool
- Foul breath
- Unable to eat
- Loose teeth
- Dropping food from the mouth
Skin
- Rash or grouping of small blister-like lesions, usually on the feet, underbelly, and face
- Large lump anywhere on the body, usually darker than the skin surrounding it
- Pain or bleeding from a spot or lesion of unknown origin that does not seem to be healing
Toes
- Swelling of the foot
- Discolored toenail
- Malformed toes
- Loose toenail
Types
There are three main types of malignant melanoma.
- Oral malignant melanoma occurs in the mouth, gums, lips, and jaw
- Dermal malignant melanoma can be found anywhere on the skin but most often on the abdomen or face
- Malignant melanoma of the toes includes the foot, bones, and digits
Causes of Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
The cause of malignant melanoma in dogs is unknown. In humans, one of the main causes of this disease is sun exposure, but this does not seem to be the case with dogs, who are protected by their fur and thick skin. There are some risk factors though, which are:
- Older dogs
- Males
- Certain breeds (Schnauzer, Doberman Pinscher, Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Airedale, Boston Terrier, and Scottish Terrier)
Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
Diagnosis is pretty easy if you are able to get a veterinary oncologist or one who specializes in skin diseases. Most veterinarians can do a physical examination and may suspect the diagnosis right away, but will not confirm it until blood tests and a biopsy are done. During the examination, be sure to tell the veterinarian as much as you know about the issue and if you have given your dog any medication; prescription or otherwise. The examination includes a complete skin and haircoat analysis, reflexes, body temperature, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, breath sounds, pupil reaction time, and oxygen level.
Laboratory testing includes a complete blood count (CBC), serum analysis, platelet count, glucose level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), liver panel, packed cell volume (PCV), and a urinalysis. A fine needle aspirate will be gathered for microscopic analysis. A biopsy may then be taken, depending on results.
Chest films (x-rays), lymph node aspiration, and possibly a CT scan with contrast dye will all be used to stage the disease. There are four stages, as mentioned earlier.
Treatment of Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
While treatment of malignant melanoma depends on the progression of the disease, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are strongly suggested. However, none of the treatments are an actual cure as the melanoma grows back in most cases.
Surgery
As long as the cancer has not spread too far, surgical removal of the melanoma is always the first part of the treatment plan. This is usually a simple surgery, depending on the location, and only has slight risks (usually less than not having the surgery). The veterinarian removes the melanoma and a large area of tissue around it to improve the chance of survival.
Radiation
This treatment is done only in cases where there is still a risk of tumor regrowth. However, it has not shown to add much time to the prognosis of survival.
Chemotherapy
Although some veterinarians still use chemotherapy, this is not usually very effective.
Supplemental Care
Keeping your dog as pain free as possible and increasing quality of life are the veterinarian’s goals. This includes providing pain killers, intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen therapy, and maybe a feeding tube as needed. The veterinarian will describe what is being done at each step, but ask questions if you are unsure.
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Recovery of Malignant Melanoma in Dogs
The prognosis for most dogs who have malignant melanoma is not good. Usually, by the time the symptoms are noticed, the cancer has spread. Be sure to follow all the directions that the veterinary team has given you in order to give your dog a good quality of life in the meantime, and call the veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Malignant Melanoma Average Cost
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Malignant Melanoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Goldendoodle
Misha
12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
I just found out that my dog has Malignant Melanoma. She had the cells in the lymph node that was enlarged, and x-rays showed another tumor near her heart. X-rays of that area four months ago were normal. I am seeing a canine oncologist Tuesday. When I feel the lump that is the lymph node, it already has increased in size. I am afraid that the cancer is very aggressive. She is 12, and I can't see putting her through anything that is too distressing or painful. I don't know if the Melanoma Vaccine is a possibility as it takes then weeks or so to be effective. Any advice? Kay
March 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without knowing more about Misha's situation, I can't comment on which chemotherapeutic protocols may help her. Your appointment with the oncologist on Tuesday will answer all of those questions for you, as they will be able to take into consideration her age, stage of cancer, and health status to come up with a plan for you. They'll be able to give you a realistic prognosis as far as how things might go for her. I hope that she does well.
March 21, 2018
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schnauzer
Mickey
7 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump
My 7 yo schnauzer mix has malignant amelanotic melanoma of the lip and this was excised. At the first excision, there was only 0.9 mm clear margin. It recurred in 6 months and within 3 weeks, it grew to 2 cm. A second surgery has been performed and the clear margin is now about 7 mm. Dissection of the right submandibular lymph node showed pigmented cells which the histo report says could be due to melanomacrophages, neoplastic melanocytes or haemosiderin laden macrophages. There was an option to do immunohistochemistry with Melan A,PNL2 and TRP2.
Do you think there is a need to do the histochemistry?
Is there a need for radiation or vaccination?
Dec. 21, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Mickey. Without further information about Mickey, I cannot answer those questions for you - it would be a good idea to consult with a veterinary oncologist to go over the whole case and where you should go from here, given his histo and physical exam. I hope that he recovers well.
Dec. 21, 2017
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mongrel
Zara
8 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dermal Melanoma In Foot Pad
My dog has a surgery on her foot pad to remove a tumor. The size is less than 2cm. Histopathology report said it's dermal melanoma, and moderate nuclear pleomorphism is supportive of malignancy. The mitotic activity is low <3. Lymphovascular invasion is not evident in the examined section. But the neoplastic proliferation extends to the deep margins of the examines sections. So, what treatment is available for my dog? What is the prognosis of she?
Dec. 4, 2017
0 Recommendations
Generally with tumours we recommend that tumours are surgically removed and that patients receive chemotherapy; however, malignant melanomas do not respond well to chemotherapy and is not recommended. You should however discuss the use of immunotherapy for post surgical management of the melanoma with your Veterinarian to see if Zara is a likely candidate. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.willows.uk.net/specialist-services/pet-health-information/oncology/malignant-melanoma-in-dogs
www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/sites/cliniciansbrief.com/files/08_June_article_5.pdf
Dec. 4, 2017
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Pug
Tyler Wade
11 Years
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Hello, I found out my pug who is almost 11 yrs old has malignant melanoma. A tumor was found in the palate of his mouth last week during a cleaning. In the past 3 years Tyler has had 2 seizures, elevated liver enzymes and halitosis. We meet w/an oncologist next week. Given what I've read on this type of melanoma it appears that even if we seek treatment, this will only extend his life about 6 months. Any advice or information?
Oct. 23, 2017
0 Recommendations
Whilst it is true that prognosis is generally guarded to poor in these cases, surgery coupled with chemotherapy can extend life beyond six months; this is however case dependent and is variable depending on variable factors. The Oncologist would be able to give you more specific information based on their findings during your consultation. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 23, 2017
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Malignant Melanoma Average Cost
From 358 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
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