My dog, Molly, got diagnosed with a mast cell tumor last year. It was cut out clean and they got it all. Just to be safe, they did chest X-rays, and everything was clear in April 2024. Then in December 2024, we noticed a new bump in the same spot. It was tiny, so we went back to the vet. We were told mast cell tumors can come back, so we thought it was that. They put her on steroids daily to put her in remission, but that made her incredibly sick. After a month, we went back in January 2025 and were told the bump is still there but moveable, so we can leave it. They suggested doing X-rays to check things out. The vet came back and told us it’s in her lungs. At that point, I was beyond sad. We are being sent to a pet oncologist on Tuesday, January 28, and I’m so scared to know what they will say. Is there anything specific I should ask? When we left our last vet appointment, they handed us cremation documents and a paper on how to know when it’s time to put her down. The vet gave us no answers on how bad it is or a timeline. I’m hoping the doctor next week gives us some answers. But generally, what is the outcome for lung cancer? I know she’ll die, but are we talking months, years, or just weeks?
I’m really sorry to hear this. Here’s the opinion of a 20-year GP vet: if they had clean margins the first time, the tumor should not have reoccurred in the same spot. Reoccurrence indicates incomplete margins, which can be tricky with these types of tumors. The reoccurrence should have been removed and sent to histopathology. Once lung metastasis occurs, unfortunately, there is only palliative care. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause unnecessary suffering without effectiveness.
@Gracen
Thank you for this answer. We were seeing the on-base vet, and they swore the first time they cut it out it was clean. I feel like we’re just getting handed vague answers.
When it’s in her lungs, it has metastasized. I’m not sure about longevity once it’s in the chest, but definitely go to the oncologist and weigh your options.
Ripley said:
When it’s in her lungs, it has metastasized. I’m not sure about longevity once it’s in the chest, but definitely go to the oncologist and weigh your options.
I just want to know how bad it truly is. It’s hard to cope with all this uncertainty.
You really need to get ALL her lab results. I’m worried they didn’t send the mass off after removal. Histopathological examination is crucial for determining treatment and next steps.
Gracen said:
You really need to get ALL her lab results. I’m worried they didn’t send the mass off after removal. Histopathological examination is crucial for determining treatment and next steps.
I know they sent it off, and it said low grade, so we thought it was a low threat. But the new one they found in December wasn’t even biopsied.
I’m so sorry. That is rough news. Once tumors spread to the lungs, it’s time to think about end-of-life care. I would definitely ask the oncologist about the time you have left and pain control options.
@Tan
Thank you, I will. I just feel so lost right now.
I just had my dog diagnosed today with a mast cell tumor. They are aggressive cancers. If they are far along and have metastasized, she may have, at best, a few months. At this point, focus on comfort measures for her.
@Dare
It’s so hard because she seems so normal. She’s still energetic and playful, and it’s hard to believe it may change.