Skin Cancer (Epidermotropic Lymphoma) in Dogs

The thymus gland is in the neck and produces a multitude of immune system cells, known as T-cells. These cells are essential for proper immune response. Skin cancer (epidermotropic lymphoma) in dogs is categorized by cancer, or lymphoma, within the tissue that lines the skin. Epidermotropic lymphoma is rare, and it is a malignant type of skin cancer that begins with the lymphocytes, which roles are to produce vital antibodies, destroy infectious cells, and identify the bodies’ antigens. Affecting older dogs in most cases, it can affect dogs of all age groups and breed types.

Epidermotropic lymphoma is a rare form of cancer caused by deformities in the lymphocytes. This type of malignancy of the skin is usually found in older dogs.

Epidermotropic lymphoma has several varying symptoms, some of which can be confused with other skin disorders that are less severe in nature. If your dog has any of the following symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with the veterinarian. Symptoms include:

• Dry, scaly patches on the skin
• Itching
• Hair loss
• Redness and irritation
• Loss of pigment
• Ulcers on the skin

Types

The veterinarian will do differential testing on your dog to rule out other skin diseases. Types of skin conditions that have similar symptoms of epidermotropic lymphoma include:

• Mycosis fungoides
• Pagetoid reticulosis
• Sezary syndrome
• Sarcoptic mange
• Lupus erythematosus
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Food allergies
• Drug allergies
• Pemphigus

Research is still being conducted on the precise cause of this rare and serious form of cancer in dogs. The exact cause is unknown at this time; however some studies conclude that various environmental agents can cause the cancer to develop.

The veterinarian will take a closer look at the clinical signs that the dog is exhibiting, and will then take a biopsy of the skin. Epidermotropic lymphoma can take on the appearance of inflammatory dermatitis in the early stages, so the veterinarian will need to rule out that condition and other related conditions as well. Once the biopsy is read, the veterinarian will perform an immunohistochemistry profile to further look at the progression of the cancer and tumor. Imaging methods will be considered to study the T cells and the characteristics of these cells. 

Once the diagnosis and studies of the cancerous cells have been concluded, the veterinarian will consider treatment options. Treatment can include:

Radiation

The veterinarian may recommend a series of appointments for radiation therapy. This depends on the stage of the cancer, and whether the medical professional feels that it would be effective in fighting the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be given to your dog as a treatment option, and may be given at home on a regular schedule in pill form, such as with Lumostine, or with a steroid that is also used to treat some cancers known as Prednisolone. This type of treatment’s effectiveness and success rate depends solely on the dog’s level of cancer, age, and other factors. 

Surgery

Surgical removal of the affected skin areas (nodules) may be performed if the veterinarian feels there is a high chance of success with this cancer. 

If your loved one is on chemotherapy at home, be sure to follow the veterinarian’s instructions on the administration of the medication. If your dog had surgery to remove any of the cancerous areas, your veterinarian will give you specific instructions on how to care for your companion post-surgery. Unfortunately, epidermotropic lymphoma has a prognosis rating of poor. Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery may prolong your dog’s life somewhat, but many dogs succumb to the disease within two years. Prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer and only your veterinarian, after looking at all of the tests, can determine your dog’s prognosis.