DEFINITION/OVERVIEW

• Progressive local invasion of neoplastic melanocytes within the oral cavity of dogs and, less commonly, cats
  
• Arise from the oral mucosa (gingiva, palate, tongue) and may grow rapidly
  
• Generally a nonencapsulated, raised, pigmented or not, friable, irregular, ulcerated, and/or necrotic surface; often invasive into bone

ETIOLOGY/PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

• Dogs/cats
  
  
  
  • Most common oral malignancy in dogs; third most common in cats
    
  • Metastasis common (80% metastasis rate in dogs); typically regional lymph nodes and lungs, but many other sites possible
    
  • Death from local recurrence or metastatic disease

SIGNALMENT/HISTORY

• Occurs more commonly in dogs than cats
  
• Median age is 10–12 years in age
  
• No clear sex predilection
  
• Overrepresented breeds include cocker spaniels, miniature poodles, retriever breeds, and Chow Chows (tongue)
  
• Excessive salivation
  
• Halitosis
  
• Dysphagia
  
• Bloody oral discharge
  
• Weight loss

CLINICAL FEATURES

• Oral mass (up to one-third are poorly pigmented)
  
• Loose teeth
  
• Facial deformity
  
• Occasionally, regional lymphadenomegaly
  
• Pain or discomfort

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

• Other oral tumors
  
• Epulis
  
• Gingival hyperplasia
  
• Tooth root abscess

DIAGNOSTICS

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