My dog had mast cell tumor surgery. What if margins aren't clean?

Question

My dog has recently undergone Mast Cell tumor surgery on his foot and we found that the margins were not entirely clean and a little bit of infected issue was not completely removed. It is a Grade II and also categorized as a Low Grade MCT. What is the likelyhood of the tumor returning? If I were to leave it alone and let the paw alone without further treatment (radiation / chemo) what could happen? And could asecond surgery lead to clean margins even on such a tricky area as the paw/metacarpus? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 10 years and 4 months old | 77 lbs

Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC · Accepted Answer

A) The likelihood of reoccurrence is higher if the margins are dirty. While it may be categorized as a low grade, it would be helpful to know the mitotic index which is a quantitative measure of mitotic figures observed in the cancer cells. If the mitotic index is high, reoccurrence is more likely. B) If no further treatment is pursued, it may or may not return. C) Prior to any further surgery or treatment you need to have Barney evaluated by a veterinary oncologist to discuss the best treatment options for him.

My dog had mast cell tumor surgery. What if margins aren't clean?

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