dermal hemangiosarcoma

[GSD4LIFE21]

Anyone here experience this with a dog or know a lot about it? I have a few questions...

[LisaT]

I haven't seen it on the board, but maybe someone reading will have input?

[GSD4LIFE21]

thats what im hoping for. I just aquired a dog that has some very suspicious tumor-like cysts on his belly area. Hes an all white pit 5 years old, and from what I was told the first one developed about a year ago. Im biting my nails here because it looks like cancer...I am going to the vets in the morning but I cant help but look up and find out everything I can about it.

[GSD4LIFE21]

Hemangiosarcoma, Skin

BASICS


OVERVIEW
Skin hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor arising from endothelial cells. It is referred to as angiosarcoma or malignant hemangioendothelioma. Primary cutaneous hemangiosarcoma develops within dermal or subcutaneous tissues.

SIGNALMENT
• Prevalence in dogs is 0.3-2.0%
• Median age 9 years (range, <span style="color: #FF0000">4.5</span>-15 years)
• Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma accounts for 14% of all hemangiosarcoma in dogs.
• <span style="color: #FF0000">Pit bull</span>, boxer, and German shepherd dog affected more commonly than other breeds
• Rare in cats

SIGNS
• A solitary tumor is commonly noticed, although patient with cutaneous hemangiosarcoma can have<span style="color: #FF0000"> multiple nodules clustered in one area. </span>• Dermal hemangiosarcoma appears as <span style="color: #FF6600">small, firm, raised, dark nodules </span>located primarily on the <span style="color: #FF0000">prepuce</span> and ventral abdomen.
• Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma appears as firm or soft, fluctuant masses with associated bruising. These tumors are typically larger than dermal hemangiosarcoma and, although commonly located on the pelvic limbs, can arise in any location.
• Ulceration is frequent.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
• Vascular stasis, radio therapy, trauma and <span style="color: #FF0000">sun exposure </span>are predisposing factors in people and may be risk factors in dogs.
• Genetic predisposition in<span style="color: #FF0000"> pit bull</span>, boxer, and German shepherd dog

[GSD4LIFE21]

[GSD4LIFE21]

well I guess I will just have to wait and see what the vet says..

[LisaT]

Indy had a solitary nodule that looked like that red angry type. It did change it's appearance, but she was biting at it. It took me awhile to find the thread:
http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...page=0&fpart=1

[Myamom]

This is what they thought my Mya had. She had a suspicious bump (that she was chewing at...and was raw)...and had a needle aspirate that came back positive for hemangiosarcoma.

We were referred to a surgeon for resection with WIDE margins (so they could determine spread) and biopsy. We were told if after resection..the margins were clean...most likely it would mean that they had been successful in removing the tumor completely and that it had not spread.. If margins were "dirty" it would indicate spread...and we would have then been referred to an Oncologist for further treatment. I did ask IF there was spread...and we had to go to an Oncologist...what her prospects were...and we were told they were still very good. Apparently...of all the types of hemangiosarcoma...dermal has the best chance of a good outcome.

In our case...we had an amazing outcome...the biopsy came back negative.

(her spot looked nothing like the picture above)

[GSD4LIFE21]

So they can diagnose this with just aspirating some of the fluids from the tumor and test it?

[LisaT]

With indy, I had it removed and they sent the whole thing away. With that type of growthan I'm not sure they can stick a needle and get a good sample.

Good luck at the vet's - let us know what they say.