My dog's swollen lymph nodes: Is "neoplastic process" cancer or benign?

Question

We found swollen lymph nodes the size of grapes on either side of my dog’s jaw a month ago but now it has already decreased in size, almost nonexistent after he took meloxicam for 5 days. Now after three weeks of waiting for his FNA results, it read “suggestive of a neoplastic process”. Does it mean its cancerous or could it be benign? The lumps are almost nonexistent and he isnt showing any signs of illness. Could the FNA be incorrect? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 20 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

The FNA was reported as "suggestive" not diagnostic - this would indicate some evidence of cell changes such as rapid/disorganised growth or poorly defined cells due to severe inflammation but not definitively cancerous. This is not uncommon as an FNA only looks at a small amount of loose cells and can often give inconclusive results. The rapid reduction in signs is positive that it may have been a benign, inflammatory process but unfortunately many tumours are also inflamed by their nature and do sometimes respond temporarily to medication! I would continue to monitor closely for any relapse as a precaution

My dog's swollen lymph nodes: Is "neoplastic process" cancer or benign?

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