Canine cutaneous histiocytoma: definition
Histiocytoma is a benign tumor of the dog's skin caused by an anarchic multiplication of Langerhans cells (cells present in the dog's epidermis).
This is a relatively common tumor that most often (but not exclusively) affects young dogs, before the age of 3.
Some dogs are racially predisposed to it like the Great Dane, the Schnauzer, the Greyhound, the English and American Cocker Spaniel, the Boxer, the Shetland Sheepdog, the Brittany Spaniel, the Bull Terrier , Bulldog, or even Dachshund.
The Shar Pei can have multiple shapes.
How does a cutaneous histiocytoma present in dogs?
Generally, a histiocytoma takes the form of a small, well-defined single nodule (a small mass), devoid of hair (alopecic) and red (erythematous) which is found preferentially on the head, the pavilions of the dog's ears or limbs.
Its growth is relatively rapid but its size generally remains limited to less than 2.5 centimeters.
Aspect of a histiocytoma - courtesy of vertiankey.com -
Secondary ulceration of the lesion is frequently observed, which generally justifies its surgical removal.
Note carefully!
Just because it looks like a histiocytoma doesn't mean it's a histiocytoma.This benign tumor can be confused with other much more serious skin tumors in dogs. If you notice the presence of such a nodule on your dog's skin, the only thing to do is to take him to a veterinarian for a dermatological examination associated with samples which will make it possible to make a diagnosis with certainty.
Diagnosis and treatment of histiocytoma in dogs
During a dermatological consultation, the veterinarian can take a cytological sample of the nodule in order to observe the appearance of its cells. But, most often, he also performs a biopsy for a histopathological analysis of the tissues taken.
The veterinarian does not always resort to surgical excision of the histiocytoma because the lesion sometimes heals spontaneously on its own in a few months. On the other hand, if the skin lesion is ulcerated, he will systematically remove it surgically in order to avoid the risk of secondary infectious complications.