What are vascular tumors of the skin?
Vascular tumors are tumors that develop from blood vessels. When involving the skin, thay develop from the blood vessels of the skin. Essentially, whenever there are blood vessels, there is chance for vascular tumor to develop. Some tumors(called hemangiomas) behave in a benign manner, whereas others(called hemangiosarcomas) tend to spread.
Clinical signs of this type of tumor:-
Vascular tumors of the skin may arise anywhere on the body and appears as a firm and raised lump on or under the skin. They may be red and look like a blood blister or may be the same color as the skin. Sometimes they have a bruised appearance or change in the size due to bleeding within them. If a tumor develops in a region such as armpit or between the legs, there may be pain or discomfort when moving. If the bleeding is confined in the skin or underlying tissues, excessive bruising, pain, weakness, reluctant to stand or go0 for walk, pale gums and collapse may occur.
A vascular tumor may appear innocent but be quiet the opposite. For this reason, it is best to have any changes in the skin evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as you notice them.
Types of cancer and their progress:-
Hemangiomas are the benign form of the disease and have an excellent prognosis. This can ulcerate or rupture within the skin, causing bleeding, and possibly mild discomfort, they are not known to spread.
Hemangiosarcomas have a more guarded prognosis. it can affects your pet,s mobility, lameness or pain in the region may be noted. they will continue to grow in the region they are found.
Treatment for this type of tumor:-
Surgery is the recommended treatment for vascular tumors of the skin. Surgery is usually curative for hemangiomas and the prognosis is excellent.With hemangiosarcomas, depending on the tumor location, physical exam findings, and staging, it may be recommended to perform a CT scan to determine how far the tumor extends prior attempting surgery. If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy may be recommended. After surgery or radiation therapy, chemotherapy may be recommended.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a hemangiosarcoma, the mass could rupture and causes further bleeding, putting your pet at immediate risk. Therefor, it is very important that your pet be quiet and monitored very closely for any of the signs listed above. Typically, once a diagnosis has been obtained, it is best not to wait to pursue therapy.
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