Hearing the word “cancer” can be frightening, but cancer is not one single disease—and a diagnosis does not automatically mean there are no options. Cancer describes a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably.
Every cancer behaves differently. Our goal is to determine what the abnormality is, how it may behave, whether it has spread, and what options best support your pet’s comfort and quality of life. The AAHA Oncology Guidelines emphasize that many cancers in veterinary patients are treatable or manageable, and that diagnosis is the beginning of determining what options may be appropriate—not the end.
Lumps & Bumps: Don’t Guess—Test
Finding a lump on your pet can be concerning, but not every mass is cancerous. Pets commonly develop benign growths as well as malignant tumors, and appearance or feel alone cannot reliably tell us which is which.
Obtaining cells or tissue for microscopic evaluation is often necessary. Depending on the mass, our veterinarian may recommend a Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA), a biopsy, or surgical removal with histopathology. Removing a mass and testing a mass are not the same thing—laboratory evaluation tells us what was removed and guides future recommendations.
Treatment Options & Quality of Life
Cancer treatment is highly individualized. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or palliative/hospice care when comfort is the primary goal.
A common concern is chemotherapy side effects. Veterinary oncology places a strong emphasis on maintaining quality of life during treatment, balancing cancer control with minimizing side effects. Cancer care isn’t only about treating the tumor—it is also about caring for the whole pet, supporting their pain management, nutrition, and everyday joy.