Skin Tumors and
Oncologic Principles of Surgery
Gaining local control of tumors allows surgeons to play a vital role in the treatment of various cancers of the skin and subcutis.
Skin Tumors and
Oncologic Principles of Surgery
Gaining local control of tumors allows surgeons to play a vital role in the treatment of various cancers of the skin and subcutis.
Reliable Technique
Local control provides a tissue diagnosis, decreases tumor burden to allow for adjunct therapy, and optimizes patient comfort in many cases.
Common Tumors of The Skin & Subcutis Include (but not limited to):
- Common Tumors of the Skin & Subcutis
- Mass Cell Tumors
- Lipomas
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Round Cell Tumors
Diagnosis
Knowledge of the tumor type, grade (severity of tumor behavior), and stage (tumor spread of disease) is important in determining the treatment and prognosis. Tumor Sampling includes:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (Looks at Cells)
- Tumor Biopsy (Looks at Cells & Tissue Architecture)
Tumor Biopsy Techniques
An excisional (top figure) or incisional (bottom figure) may be recommended for tissue sampling.
Biopsy can prevent overtreatment or inappropriate treatment!
Excisional Biopsy
Removal of the tumor base without a ‘margin’ of normal tissue
Advantage
- Large sample size is often diagnostic
- Potential "cure" (for benign lesions)
- May be the only surgery needed
Disadvantage
- May seem more aggressive
- May require additional surgery and/or therapy if malignancy is confirmed
Incisional Biopsy
Removal of a small portion from within the tumor
Advantages
- Less invasive technique
- Most commonly diagnostic
Disadvantages
- Potential lack of diagnostic sample
- Additional surgery needed for benign or malignant lesions
- The recommended option for tumors in areas of limited skin!
Surgical Techniques
The type of surgical technique chosen will be unique to your pet and suspected tumor.
- Marginal Excision (w/ Scant Margin)
- Wide Excision (w/ 2-3 cm Margin)
- Radical Excision (removal of entire tissue compartment) This is done with local skin reconstructive techniques with or without the use of local tissue rotation flaps, grafts or healing by second intention
Tumor Staging Considerations
- Bloodwork
- Three-View Thoracic Imaging
- Abdominal Imaging
- Local Lymph Node Evaluation & Cytology
Prognosis ultimately depends on tumor type and behavior as well as the ability to gain local control through surgery. Consultation with an Oncology specialist will be strongly encouraged.
