According to a recent study, mast cell tumors (MCT) account for
10.98% of skin tumors in dogs. Only lipomas (27.44%) and
adenomas (14.08%), both of which are generally benign, were more
frequently diagnosed. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say that
mast cell tumors are the most common type of oftentimes
malignant skin cancer in dogs. Here is the information my
practice provides to the owners of dogs that have been diagnosed
with mast cell tumors. What Are Mast Cell Tumors? Mast cells are
specialized cells within the body that respond to inflammation
and allergies by releasing biological chemicals such as
histamine, heparin, serotonin, and prostaglandins. Mast cell
tumors are formed when there is an increased proliferation of
these cells that is not controlled by normal mechanisms. These
malignancies are capable of releasing an excessive amount of
their biochemicals, which sometimes causes systemic problems
including stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, and a variety of
allergic manifestations. Tumors arise prim