Canine Sarcoma | The National Canine Cancer Foundation

Sarcomas comprise about 15% of malignant tumors in dogs, making them among the most common canine cancers you’ll see. However, there are a variety of types of sarcomas that can impact dogs in a number of different ways.

What is Canine Sarcoma?

This type of cancer begins in either the bone or in the body’s soft tissues. The word sarcoma is derived from a Greek word and means “fleshy growth”. Sarcomas are a broad category of tumors classified together because of their similarities in their behavior and outcome.

Sometimes further classification is made between bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma.

Generally, sarcomas are malignant tumors that affect the “connective tissues” in the body. The connective tissues may refer to nerves, blood vessels, bones, muscles, fat, cartilage, fibrous tissue or deep skin tissue.

Sarcoma accounts for about 15% of canine cancers. It is most common in middle-aged and older dogs, especially large or giant breeds.

What Causes Sarcoma In Dogs?

The cause of canine sarcoma is not understood, and therefore, there is no natural way to protect against it. As with all cancers in dogs, early detection is critical.

What Symptoms Do Dogs With Sarcoma Exhibit?

Initially, there may be no symptoms related to the tumor. The tumor may grow very slowly over months or even years. A wide range of symptoms may present when a dog has one of the types of sarcoma. These may include:

Enlarged lymph nodes
Bloated stomach
Pale gums or bad breath
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Lethargy
Issues in the limbs: swelling, limping or signs of pain.
Unusual growths or lumps that may be soft or firm
Unusual behavior
Sudden loss of weight
Increased thirst

What Types Of Sarcomas Are There?

Sarcoma in dogs is classified by various sub-types depending on the location of the cells from which they originate.

Osteosarcoma – primary bone tumor – usually arises in the bones of the limbs
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) arises from endothelial cells
Fibrosarcoma – in fibrous connective tissue
Hemangiopericytoma – arises from pericyte cells surrounding small blood vessels
Leiomyosarcoma – arises from smooth muscle tissue
Liposarcoma – arises from connective tissue
Lymphosarcoma – arises in lymph nodes and in organs with lymphoid tissue, including the bone marrow, liver and spleen
Lymphangiosarcoma – arises from lymphatic tissue
Neurofibrosarcoma – or nerve sheath tumor arises from nerve cells
Rhabdomyosarcoma – arises from skeletal muscle cells
Schwannoma – arises from nerve sheaths
Synovial cell sarcoma – a rare form that may arise near joints
Myxosarcoma – originates from fibroblast cells
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma – often seen in skeletal muscles
Undifferentiated sarcoma – difficult to characterize

How Does Osteosarcoma Compare With Hemangiosarcoma?

Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma) and Hemangiosarcoma are in the top five most common dog cancers.

Hemangiosarcoma is a relatively deadly cancer most often classified separately from other soft tissue sarcomas because of its more aggressive behavior.

Osteosarcoma usually arises in the bones of the limbs. Still, it may sometimes develop in the bones of the skull, spine, or ribcage.

How Are Sarcomas Diagnosed In Canines?

The most accurate diagnosis for sarcoma cancer in dogs is through surgical biopsy. However, fine-needle aspiration, taking a small needle and removing a sample of cells directly from the tumor for examination can produce quicker results and is less invasive. Other tests, namely bloodwork, urinalysis, lung x-rays, or ultrasound, may be recommended to search for any potential spread that could inform the staging level.

How Are Sarcomas Treated?

The most commonly recommended treatment for soft tissue sarcomas is surgical excision with wide margins. These tumors often have “tentacles” extending beyond the tumor, and these must also be removed. Chemotherapy is not usually advised as a primary treatment unless surgery or radiation is impossible due to tumor size or location.

What’s The Prognosis For A Dog With A Sarcoma?

The predicted outcome or life expectancy for dogs with soft tissue sarcomas is highly variable. As described, sarcoma covers a wide range of tumors. Therefore, the prognosis depends on the type of sarcoma, its stage, size, and as in most cancers, the timing of detection. There may be a positive outcome for many soft tissue sarcomas if the mass can be removed with wide surgical margins.

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