38 Melanocytic Tumors (Oral)

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

c38uf003ETIOLOGY/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

c38uf004SIGNALMENT/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

c38uf005CLINICAL FEATURES



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

c38uf006DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS



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

c38uf007DIAGNOSTICS

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May 22, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on 38 Melanocytic Tumors (Oral)

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