Tumors of the oral cavity can occur in both dogs and cats. In dogs, about half of these tumors are malignant, while in cats, unfortunately, up to 90% are malignant. Due to the poor visibility of the oral cavity, these tumors are often detected at a very late stage.
The exact cause of cell degeneration and tumor formation in the oral cavity is unknown. However, it is believed that many different factors are involved. Hereditary factors, environmental conditions, and nutrition all play a role. In addition, our four-legged friends are living longer, giving tumors more time to develop.
The tumors often grow in hard-to-see areas of the mouth and are therefore usually only discovered at an advanced stage of the disease, as the animals do not show any obvious symptoms at first. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, the first visible signs may be difficulty eating. Chewing and swallowing cause pain, which is why food is sometimes dropped from the mouth or refused altogether. Refusal to chew, bloody saliva, chewing on one side, non-healing mucous membrane wounds, or bad breath can also be signs of a mouth cavity tumor. If you suspect a mouth cavity tumor, you should take your animal to a veterinarian for examination immediately.
Epulides are also known as gum tumors and are benign growths that develop from the cells of the gums and periodontium. These cauliflower-like growths occur individually or in larger quantities, grow slowly, and do not metastasize (spread). Boxers are particularly predisposed to developing epulides.
Papillomatosis, which is caused by a virus, occurs mainly in young animals and is characterized by wart-like, sometimes stalked growths that occur individually or throughout the entire oral cavity. Larger papillomas can interfere with the dog's eating, but otherwise they are asymptomatic. In most cases, papillomas disappear on their own over time and do not require treatment.
Various types of tumors can develop from the dental tissue, either originating from the enamel-forming cells or developing from the hard tooth substances.
Malignant melanoma is the most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity in dogs. It is very rare in cats. The tumor originates from the pigment cells and is therefore usually dark in color. Older dogs and small breeds such as poodles, dachshunds, and cocker spaniels are particularly at risk of developing melanoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity in cats, but it also occurs in dogs. This tumor develops from the degeneration of cells in the uppermost layer of the mucous membrane, the squamous epithelium, and often has an inflamed surface. They are usually located on or under the tongue, in the throat, or on the oral mucosa. Metastases are often found very late in PEK, but the tumor itself already causes considerable damage to the tissue and clear symptoms of the disease.
Fibrosarcomas are very aggressively growing tumors that develop from the connective tissue or mucous membrane of the hard palate and occur mainly in large dog breeds. The surface of these tumors can break open and become ulcerated and inflamed. Fibrosarcoma metastasizes late but grows infiltratively, which means that it quickly invades surrounding tissue, such as the jawbone.
Osteosarcoma is a malignant, fast-growing tumor that originates in degenerated cells of the jawbone.
After a thorough clinical examination and review of the preliminary report, the veterinarian can usually make a preliminary diagnosis. However, a definitive diagnosis with determination of the exact type of tumor can only be made after removal and histopathological examination of a tissue sample (biopsy).
In order to determine the exact location and size of the tumor, X-rays or CT scans of the skull must be taken, which in most cases requires anesthesia. With the help of additional X-rays of the chest and examination of lymph node tissue, the degree of metastasis (spread) can also be determined.
A blood test is also useful in many cases to obtain information about underlying diseases or organ damage. In general, the earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the more successfully it can be treated.
Treatment depends on the type, location, and extent of the tumor and the corresponding test results. The veterinarian will discuss the treatment plan with you in detail on a case-by-case basis.
Surgical removal of the tumor is generally recommended, but care must be taken during the operation to ensure that not only the tumor tissue visible on the surface is removed, as many oral cavity tumors grow very invasively into the surrounding tissue. If the tumor tissue is not completely removed, relapses (recurrences) occur quickly. The radical removal of the tumor with parts of the jaw or even the entire jaw, which is sometimes necessary, is tolerated surprisingly well by many animals.
If it is not possible for the surgeon to remove all of the tumor tissue, the animal must undergo additional chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the operation. In cases of very advanced tumor growth, surgical removal is sometimes no longer possible due to the size of the tumor. In such cases, the animal can only receive palliative care, which means that the treatment does not cure the disease but merely alleviates the symptoms and pain.
The prognosis for a mouth cavity tumor depends largely on the type of tumor, its location, and when it is diagnosed. Tumors that are detected early and can be completely removed have a favorable prognosis. The larger, more malignant, and more difficult to treat a tumor in the mouth cavity is, the poorer the chances of recovery.
The development of tumors cannot be prevented because their causes are still not fully understood. However, since chronic inflammation is believed to promote cell degeneration, regular oral and dental hygiene in dogs can prevent the formation of tartar and gum inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of tumor development.
Regular veterinary check-ups also help to ensure that potential tumors can be detected and treated at an early stage. In many cases, this can prevent serious bone damage and prevent or at least delay possible metastasis.
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