Where Is It?
At {petsName}'s check-in you will be asked to identify all masses/tumors that are planned for that day. Often we do have a record of the masses already, but we do want to confirm. This is even more improtant if there are multiple masses, we want to be sure we are removing the ones you are most concerned with. Often a pet may even develop more masses since they where examined by one of our doctors. It is improtant that you take some time to mark or shave the areas of any masses/tumors that you are wanting removed. Our team will verify what masses and where they are the morning of surgery. If the masses are not found, and marked at the time of check-in our surgeons may not be able to remove them that day. Below you will have the option of submitting a picture of the location of the mass(es) you are expecting to be removed.
What Is It?
A mass or tumor is an abmormal growth of cells, and the term refers to any type. Now a mass can be benign, or malignant or cancerous. All cancers are tumors, but not all tumors are cancer. Though we may have taken small needle samples of the mass already and have some concerns of what the mass may be, the only way to get a real firm understanding of what type of mass {petsName} has is to submit the tissue off to be tested. This test is call histopathology. When tested we can give you a better understanding of what the mass was and what our concerns and prognosis may be.
We encourage all clients ti have removed tumors submitted for histopathology. If we are concerned enough to remove a mass, we should be concerned enough to KNOW what it is for sure. Even if the mass comes back as cancer, and there is no plans to treat it furhter, knowing helps us make better choices for your pet later if other health concerns arise or if the mass comes back.
Can We Get All of It?
Our surgeons are agressive with lots of experece with even the largest and nastiest tumors. We will make an homest effort to remove all tumor tissue that we can see. Unfortunatley that is not always possible due to the size, or location of a mass. Some types of cancer project little roots away from the main mass that are not visible to the eye. This is another reason to have histopath completed. Some large masses may need multiple surgeries. We will do our best, but there are many facotors that may keep us from being as succefull as we like.
Possible Complications of Mass / Tumor Removals
While mass or tumor removal surgeries in pets are common and often successful, like any surgical procedure, they carry potential risks and complications. The larger the mass / tumor the greater the risk of complications there is. So its always better to get masses removed while they are small. Here are some possible complications associated with mass or tumor removal in pets:
Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection at the incision site. This risk is typically managed through proper pre-operative preparation, sterile techniques during surgery, and post-operative care. After surgery though most infections are due to pet factors. Such as the wound getting dirty or the pet licking and chewing at the surgical site.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can occur. Surgeons take precautions to minimize bleeding during the procedure, and post-operative monitoring is essential to address any signs of bleeding. Once the pet gets home though some bleeding may start as the pet moves around. To some degree this is normal and expected. A few drips of blood is of no concern, but steady flow is, and you need to contact us.
Delayed Healing: Healing usually happens in 10-14 days after surgery. Some pets may experience delayed wound healing. Factors such as the pet's overall health, the location of the mass, and the size of the incision can influence the healing process.
Seroma or Hematoma Formation: Fluid accumulation (seroma) or blood clot (hematoma) at the surgical site is a potential complication. Again, the larger the mass the more problem this may be. When you remove a mass you create a dead space body fluids will collect in. This is a normal process. We will take measures to reduce the drainage but it is normal to some extent. Your pet may have drain tubes placed temporarily to allow drainage of the fuids from under the skin. So it can get a bit messy. Drainage or additional intervention may be necessary to address these issues if they are exsessive.
Suture Reaction: Some pets may have a reaction to the sutures or staples used to close the incision, leading to inflammation or infection. Non-absorbable sutures may need to be removed during a follow-up appointment.
Recurrence of the Mass: In some cases, tumors may recur after removal. The likelihood of recurrence depends on factors such as the type of tumor, location of the tumor, completeness of the removal, and the specific characteristics of the individual pet's condition.
Nerve Damage: This is a rare concern, but still worthy of mention. Surgery near nerves carries a risk of nerve damage, which can result in temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in sensation or function in the affected area. Though every step is made to avoid major nerves, unfortunaltey dependeing on the location and size of the mass that may not be possible. Tumors of the Face, Head, and neck are of greater risk of this complication due to the large number of large nerves in those areas.
Anesthetic Complications: Anesthesia always poses some risk, and pets may react differently to anesthesia. Complications such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular problems can occur.
Changes in Functionality: Depending on the location and nature of the mass, removal may lead to changes in the functionality of surrounding structures or organs. For example, removing a mass near the eye might affect eyelid function.
Systemic Issues: Surgery and the stress associated with it can sometimes trigger systemic issues, particularly in older or less healthy pets. These may include cardiovascular or respiratory complications.
Scar Tissue Formation: Excessive scar tissue formation, known as fibrosis, can occur. In some cases, this may cause discomfort or affect the flexibility and function of the surrounding tissues.
Wound Dehiscence: There are several reasons a wound may come open or apart. The most common reason is the pet is alowed to chew or lick at the surgical site. This can break the sutures holding the wound closed and allow it to open up. If a large mass was removed tension and movement may allow the sutures to break or pull through the skin. Then also the edges may have less blood supply and die allowing the wound to open up. If this occures additional surgery may be needed to revise and close the surgical site.
Open Healing: For large tumors that require large areas of skin to be removed we may not be able to close the wound. There may not be enough tissue to close it, or the tension on the closure would make it a poor canidate to suture the wound closed. These wounds will be mangaged as open wounds. It will take longer for it it heal, but for some cases this is the only option. The pet may need additioanal treatments, and bandage changes for several week or months depending on the size of the wound left. Our docotors are experenced in advanced wound treatments if that become the best choice for {petsName}.
It's important for you to discuss potential complications or conerns you have with our team or veterinarians prior to surgery. Folowing post-operative care instructions, monitoring the pet closely, and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for the best chance of a successful recovery.