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Tumors that occur inside the nose are uncommon canine tumors. These tumors in dogs are more frequently seen in older male and female dogs. Radiation therapy is the most common cancer treatment for nasal tumors.

Tumors that occur inside the nose are uncommon in cats. These tumors are more commonly seen in older males or females. Radiation therapy is the most common cancer treatment for nasal tumors. Nasal tumors can metastasize (spread) to the nearby lymph nodes and the lungs. A thorough evaluation is necessary to include a physical examination, blood work, chest x-rays, a biopsy or aspiration of the tumor, lymph node assessment, abdominal ultrasound, and a CT scan.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a collective name for a group of malignant (cancerous) tumors which typically arise from tissue under the skin. Though these tumors can occur anywhere, they most frequently arise on the limbs or anywhere on the outside of the dog’s body. Types of STSs include fibrosarcomas, perivascular wall tumors (previously called hemangiopericytoma), and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Affected dogs are typically 10 years of age or older. Soft tissue sarcomas can metastasize (spread) to nearby lymph nodes and the lungs. A thorough evaluation is necessary and includes blood work, chest x-rays, a biopsy or an aspiration or the mass, lymph node assessment, abdominal ultrasound, and possible a CT scan.

Dogs have two anal glands (sacs), one on either side of the anus. While it isn’t common, a tumor of the anal sac can form in one or, rarely, both glands. Biopsy may show the tumor is an anal gland adenocarcinoma (AGASACA), anal sac carcinoma, or an apocrine gland carcinoma. All of these tumors have the same prognosis and are treated with the same therapy. These tumors have the potential to spread to other body parts, especially the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. In addition, this cancer can elevate the calcium in the dog’s body, which can eventually lead to kidney damage.

Radiation therapy is one type of treatment for cancer. It is often best used for localized tumors, or cancer that is only in one spot in the body. At times, it is very useful after surgery if there are cancer cells that surgery could not remove or if a mass is too big or in too risky of an area for surgery to be performed. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams (ionizing radiation) aimed at specific points on the body in an attempt to kill tumor cells. As it is important that these beams target the cancer cells and damage as few healthy cells as possible, pets need to be anesthetized and precisely positioned to deliver radiation treatment most effectively.