Malignant melanoma in dogs and catsMalignant melanoma is a highly malignant tumor of the pigment cells (melanocytes). It tends to metastasize early via lymph and blood vessels and is the most common fatal skin disease. Melanomas arise from pigment cells (melanocytes). Make up about 5 to 7 % of all skin tumors. Dark-haired animals are more frequently affected.
Together with mast cell tumors, fibrosarcomas and squamous cell carcinomas, this tumor is one of the 10 most common skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs. That is about 1/3 of the tumors that occur there. Of these, approx. 20-40 % malignant. Fibrosarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas and mast cell tumors dominate in cats. Here are ca. 25 % of all tumors occurring in the skin area, of which about 50-65 % are malignant.
Localization
Melanomas are frequently found on the limbs, trunk, head area and scrotum of dogs. Frequent disease in the area of the transition between the skin and the oral mucosa. Furthermore, melanomas are observed in the area of the outer or inner eye, among others. The melanomas of relatively small (2 cm in diameter) and / or already metastasized have a survival rate of 164 days. In tumors that have
Therapy with ozone
The new therapeutic approach with ozone belongs to the class of immunotherapies based on stimulation of the body's own immune system in various tumor situations. This cancer therapy with intraperitoneal ozonated oxygen, known as O3/O2-pneumo-peritoneum (O3-/O2-PP) therapy, was first used in a dog with advanced melanoma, and in an animal study in 2008 by Dr. Schulz further developed. The authors of (Rossman et al. 2014) have referred to this treatment concept as a new immunotherapeutic approach. This concept was tested on a malignant tumor model with a fast growing. Metastatic lung cancer confirmed. Further case reports of different melanomas (spontaneous tumors) in mostly far advanced stage are available.
Important examinations
(Immuno)histochemical examinations should be performed for more detailed analysis. There are some individual tumor types in dogs and cats for which additional anti-tumor therapy with specific drugs can be very useful in the treatment regimen. This is the case when the tumor is Cox-2 positive.
Furthermore, the pet owner should know that in advanced stages of malignant tumors, the tumor cells can metastasize to regional lymph nodes and present as so-called. Can spread distant metastases to the lung tie or to other organ systems of the abdomen. Therefore, even in this situation, an X-ray examination of the lungs, or sonography of the abdomen, or other methods such as z.B. MRI to determine the exact extent of the disease.
Blood count
In addition, a complete blood count should always be done to assess the current status of the important red and white blood counts. Kidney and liver function should be reviewed, as the immune system and other body functions can often be significantly burdened by concomitant diseases in various cancers, so the treatment approach needs to be adjusted. The prognosis may change significantly as a result.
our patients
In these patients melanomas were treated with ozone-oxygen therapy. Click on the images to find out more.