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Oral Masses
Oral masses are growths in the mouth that can be benign or malignant. They are found in both dogs and cats and require biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
Key Facts
- Can arise from gum infection, tooth infection, or tumors
- Most common feline oral cancer: squamous cell carcinoma
- Other feline oral cancers: melanoma, fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma
- Black cocker spaniels are predisposed to oral melanomas
- Most pets do not show signs until mass inhibits chewing or swallowing
- Signs: bad breath, excessive drooling, bloody oral discharge
- Evaluation includes lymph node check, chest X-rays (for metastasis), and biopsy
- Benign tumors usually cured by surgical removal
- Malignant tumors may require aggressive surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy
- Oral ulcers often relate to periodontal disease and may heal after tooth extraction
- Species: dogs and cats