My boston terrier has had two mast cell tumors removed already, and he's only 5. I've noticed some lumps on his head that I think will need to be aspirated, but does anyone know how to treat a mast cell tumor between the ears? For his others, they removed them surgically but this doesn't seem like an option given the location. Any help is appreciated!
Tumors on top of the head can be removed surgically. You'll want to have it done as soon as you can; the smaller the mass, the less skin will need to be removed.
Amber, we send you & Gus hugs. Although I don't have first-hand knowledge, here are some sources of articles written by vets, which doesn't precisely answer your question, but perhaps may help. http://www.petmd.com/search?Q=cell+tu... http://www.peteducation.com/article.c... I think the best answer will come from Gus' vet.
Note that I'm not a vet, but have had shelter dogs (I worked in animal sheltering), and personal dogs with mast cell tumors.
You'll want to address this quickly as mast cell tumors can be aggressive.
Yes, they can be removed on the head. We just had one removed from our hound last October.
The key is whether or not the vet can get sufficient margins around the tumor when removing it. Be sure the removed tissue is sent off for pathology to have the tumor graded. The grade will tell you if he will need further treatment after surgery.
If the location of the tumor makes surgery a poor option, other treatments are available.
http://www.wearethecure.org/mast-cell...
All the best to you and Gus.