Oral Tumors

Oral tumors may present as swelling or abnormal growths in dogs and cats. Tumors are broadly categorized as benign or malignant. Benign oral tumors do not spread to another location of the body whereas malignant tumors may spread or metastasize over time. For this reason, early diagnosis is essential in the treatment of oral tumors. The plan for diagnosis of oral tumors is intraoral imaging (x-rays and/or CT scan) in conjunction with a biopsy of the abnormal tissue or swelling. Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be formed which may utilize surgery and/or a referral to an oncologist (cancer specialist). All oral swellings and growths should be investigated to determine if malignancy is present.