There are benign and malignant tumors that develop on a dog’s skin. Even in the case of malignant skin cancers, approaches focused on the immune system can improve the dog’s condition, maintain its quality of life (QOL), and restore its vitality and appetite. There are numerous cases where immune system support with Cordy has helped control cancer in dogs.
Please do not despair if your dog has skin cancer. On this page, we have summarized the types and characteristics of tumors that develop on the skin, and methods to improve prognosis. We also introduce many cases of improvement. We hope it can be a source of support and a beacon of hope for you.
There are benign and malignant (commonly referred to as skin cancer) tumors that develop on a dog’s skin and body surface. Depending on the histological type of the tumor, there are various benign tumors and skin cancers.
Types and Characteristics of Benign Tumors on a Dog’s Skin
The following are benign tumors that can develop on a dog’s skin and body surface. We summarize the characteristics of each tumor.
Lipoma – A Benign Tumor in Dogs
Lipomas are soft skin tumors. They are soft to the touch and can be easily identified through fine needle aspiration. Unless a lipoma impairs a dog’s quality of life, surgical removal is not necessary.
Papilloma – A Benign Tumor in Dogs
Canine skin papillomas are warts that form on the skin and are called papillomas due to their nipple-like shape. Unlike cancer, they have a certain degree of elasticity. They are relatively common benign tumors in dogs and can sometimes resolve naturally. However, if they grow rapidly, malignancy should be suspected and caution is needed.
Histiocytoma – A Benign Tumor in Dogs
Histiocytomas are benign tumors that occur in relatively young dogs, commonly found on the head, limbs, and chest. They can grow quickly into a round, dome-shaped mass with a glossy surface.
Basal Cell Tumor – A Benign Tumor in Dogs
Basal cells are a type of cell that makes up the skin, and when these cells become tumorous, it is called a basal cell tumor. Basal cell tumors are commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs, appearing as small, hard, raised tumors. They are said to frequently develop on a dog’s head and neck.
Perianal Gland Tumor – A Benign Tumor in Dogs
These tumors form around the anus and appear raised. They are most commonly seen in unneutered middle-aged to older male dogs. If the perianal gland tumor is small, neutering can sometimes cause it to shrink, but generally, tumor removal and neutering are performed simultaneously.
In the early stages, benign perianal gland tumors cannot be distinguished from malignant perianal gland cancers based on appearance alone. Therefore, it is recommended to have any tumors around the anus examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Unlike perianal gland tumors, perianal gland cancers and apocrine gland cancers are malignant tumors. Because they are malignant cancers, they can metastasize and are life-threatening. However, there are cases where immune system support with Cordy has led to improvement.
Melanocytoma (Benign Melanoma): Benign Tumors in Dogs
A benign melanoma is referred to as melanocytoma. It is a benign tumor derived from melanocytes, distinct from malignant melanoma. In dogs, it frequently occurs on the trunk and head, particularly on the eyelids and muzzle. The color varies depending on the amount of melanin pigment, ranging from black to various shades of brown, gray, and red.
If the tumor grows rapidly, malignant melanoma or melanoma should be suspected, and caution is required.
Malignant Tumors and Their Characteristics in the Skin of Dogs
The following malignant tumors, commonly known as cancers, can develop on the skin and body surface of dogs. The characteristics of each tumor are summarized below.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor arising from squamous cells, which constitute the skin and mucous membranes.
In dogs, malignant tumors (cancers) can develop in any area where squamous epithelial cells are present, such as the mouth (oral cavity), eyes, nose (nasal cavity and sinuses), tonsils, lungs, claws, groin, abdomen, and anus.
In dogs, the majority of mast cell tumors develop in the skin. Approximately 50% of these tumors occur on the body trunk and around the genital area, about 40% on the limbs, and about 10% on the head and neck. Sometimes they are discovered when the hair falls out.
If your dog develops a lump on the body surface that is also inflamed, it can be suspected to have a high malignancy. If there is a lump on the skin that is inflamed or bleeding, it is crucial to have a veterinarian examine it as soon as possible.
The prognosis for mast cell tumors varies based on their malignancy. Grade 1 tumors may have a relatively long-term prognosis, but for Grade 3 tumors, the average prognosis is expected to be only a few months. High-grade tumors tend to grow rapidly, ulcerate, and cause bleeding.
The incidence rate of the cutaneous type is rare, about 3-5% among malignant lymphomas.
Symptoms include redness, hair loss, and papules, but they can also occur in the oral mucosa.
Diagnosing lymphoma based solely on skin symptoms is difficult, and it is often diagnosed as dermatitis.
It is especially prone to being mistaken for seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, and pyoderma. The suspicion of lymphoma generally arises only when the condition does not respond to antibiotics and other dermatological treatments.
Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor also known as malignant melanoma. It is a form of skin cancer that progresses rapidly with high invasiveness, making it highly prone to post-surgical recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and lung metastasis. It is considered one of the most aggressive types of cancer.
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of sarcoma that occurs in the endothelium of blood vessels and can develop wherever there are blood vessels, but it is most commonly found in organs rich in blood vessels such as the liver and spleen. However, it can also sometimes occur in the skin.
Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma is classified into “dermal” or “subcutaneous” types. Dermal hemangiosarcoma can potentially develop anywhere in the body, appearing as red or black lesions raised from the skin. It usually results from excessive sun exposure.
Fibroblasts are cells that produce components of the dermis such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises when fibroblasts producing collagen in the soft tissues of the body become cancerous, enlarge, and infiltrate the surrounding areas.
Fibrosarcomas are common in cats, accounting for 12–25% of skin tumors, but they also occur in dogs. These tumors can develop in any part of the body, with common sites being the trunk, mammary glands, limbs, and face.
This cancer is frequently seen in unneutered male dogs and can be difficult to distinguish from benign perianal adenomas in appearance. If the tumor around the anus progresses rapidly and becomes ulcerative, it is more likely to be malignant.
There are various types of malignant tumors and cancers that can develop on a dog’s skin, but all treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy at the veterinary hospital carry a burden on the body.
It would be ideal if these treatments alone could restore your dog’s energy and appetite, and cure the cancer. Unfortunately, reality often doesn’t work that way.
Even if surgery is initially successful, the cancer may recur after several months. Similarly, the cancer may appear to disappear with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, only to come back larger or metastasize later on.
In such cases, using Cordy as an immune support measure can help control tumor growth and prevent recurrence. A strengthened immune system makes it less likely for recurrences and metastases to occur and helps manage cancer progression more effectively.
Even if your pet does not have cancer, Cordy’s high safety profile makes it a reliable preventative measure for older pets or those prone to illness. There are no concerns about side effects like those associated with pharmaceuticals.
Immune Support is Crucial in Addressing Skin Cancer
Even if your pet develops cancer, using Cordy for immune support in parallel with hospital treatments can help improve the prognosis.
While surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can weaken the immune system, Cordy Laboratory is conducting research to determine if administering Cordy can enhance immunity and reduce side effects, or expedite recovery from side effect damage.
During chemotherapy, there is also a risk of reduced liver function. Therefore, combining Cordy with Placenta Extract from Domestic SPF Pigs can be beneficial for liver care.
It’s hard to predict to what extent your pet will respond, but at the very least, there is a good chance that their appetite will improve and they will regain energy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
※ We are also researching the application of Cordy, a specific type of Cordyceps fungi with immune-modulating properties, for humans.
