Should my dog get radiation for benign sebaceous cysts after surgery?

Radiation is not necessarily invasive, but there are potential side effects. I'm assuming she would be having a definitive radiation treatment protocol due to incomplete margins (cancer cells left behind). With this type of radiation the side effects are dependent on where the radiation will be focused - hair loss and irritated skin are most common but there can be side effects with the mouth and eyes if they are in the field. Later effects can include secondary tumors but these are very rare in dogs and it would be very unusual for Ladybug to develop a new tumor in her lifetime from the radiation. One thing to keep in mind is that dogs do need to be under anesthesia for a short period of time for each radiation treatment. As far as cost goes it is highly variable on your area, but you or your veterinarian should be able to call the facility and get a cost estimate.

The problems with cysts is that they open reoccur, and typically need to be removed surgically. In addition, removing the fluid from a cyst should be done in a sterile manner, and I would be concerned that you may accidentally be introducing infection into the cyst yourself by pressing on it. I would take Akkiko into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can drain any remaining fluid with a sterile needle and syringe, and can discuss removing it with you. There is also the chance it could be a malignant adenocarcinoma, so it is a good idea to have the vet biopsy it just to make sure it is benign.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your veterinarian may be referring to a thyroid tumor. The next step before considering surgery would be proceeding with a CT scan to check on how invasive the tumor appears to be. Then the next treatment option can be determined. A FNA can be performed at the time to determine the tumor type. If not too invasive surgery may be possible. If too invasive, and this is a thyroid carcinoma (the most common tumor in that region), radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be next best options. The prognosis with these tumors depends on the type which is why that needs to be tested. Also, it depends on how invasive it is and if it can be resected. If you think you have more information on the case that you did not describe in the question, feel free to request a consultation with me and I can continue to help. Best of luck and have a blessed day!

This kind of lump/growth needs to be ideally assessed by your veterinarian to have a definitive and specific answer. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration). Differentials include skin cysts, infections, benign or more sinister type of tumors. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello I would check with your veterinarian about doing xrays to see if there is any evidence of spread to her lungs. Also discuss with your veterinarian if all of the mass was removed ("clean margins") or if additional surgery is needed. In some cases if there is no spread of the cancer and it was completely removed do further treatment is needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These are likely sebaceous adenoma a which are benign and typically not painful. Although they have that appearance consistent with that benign growth, you never know until you sample it. They should not be painful so if that is the case, it would be indicated to have him evaluated to look for any other possible pain sources. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Sebaceous cyst will often fill with thick material and often you are able to pop or express the material from the cyst. As long as it is not painful, inflamed, or has bloody or purulent discharge there's no need to take Brennan immediately to the vet. The cyst will likely fill up again, they usually will not completely go away without surgical removal of the entire system lining. But as long as it's not bothering him and is not becoming infected, often times monitoring is all you need to do. I hope this answers your question, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.