Skin Cancer is slowly but surely becoming a very dangerous and threatening skin disease, around the world. Some major Types of Skin Cancer are Melanoma Skin Cancer, Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Kaposi`s Sarcoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Dog Skin Cancer. Skin Cancer not only affects human beings, but also animals, especially dogs. Skin Cancer in Dogs are on the rise too and is becoming an increasing concern for many, from dog lovers to skin care specialists and dermatologists. Dog Skin Cancer covers a large category of tumors which involves any unusual growth of skin cells or connected structures like hair follicles, glands and tissues of the supportive nature (fat and connective tissue). The process of metastasis to the skin from nearby tumors in the patient`s body can happen.
However, these are not termed as skin tumors as they did not initiate in the patient`s or the animal`s skin. The skin is considered to be the most usual cancer site in a dog and the second most usual cancer site in a cat. Dogs are usually affected by six times the number of tumors of skin as compared to cats; however,these tumors which affect dogs are more probable to be benign as compared to the skin tumors in cats.
Dog Skin Cancer more often than not occurs in dogs who are middle-aged to older, usually six to 14 years of age. However, there are different types of skin cancers that affect young animals. The dog breeds that have been found to be highly susceptible to the threats of Dog Skin Cancer are Scottish terriers, boxers, Basset hounds, bull mastiffs, Kerry blue terriers, Weimaraners and Norwegian elkhounds. The cause responsible for Dog Skin Cancer has not been found out yet. It has been found out that sun exposure causes incidents of two kinds of Skin cancers, namely, hemangioma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dogs that are of light coloration and have hair coats that are not too thick, have been found out to be more susceptible to the two kinds of Skin cancer. At times, the genetic base of the dogs determine whether they are at risk of getting affected by Dog Skin Cancer. Dog Skin Cancer can be broken up into four classes: Melanomas, Round cell tumors, Mesenchymal tumors, and Epithelial tumors.
Swelling or formation of lump occurs under a dog`s skin, when it is affected by any kind of skin cancer. It may also be a sore that cannot be healed easily. These become causes of extreme discomfort for the dogs as they tend to scratch the effected areas and as a consequence, does more harm to themselves. The skin becomes red and the appearance of the skin can become quite flaky. Treatment of Dog Skin Cancer depends on how quick the diagnosis can be done. If the cancer can be detected at a primary stage, it can be cured easily, but, if it is detected at a later stage, the disease can prove to be fatal.