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Treatment

The characteristic deep invasiveness of this tumor, along with the difficulty in distinguishing between the tumor and normal fatty tissue, makes removal extremely difficult. Poorly defined tumor margins, the edges of the tumor mass, may also contribute to the high recurrence rate after surgical excision has been performed. A high percentage of post operative patients suffer recurrence within 3–16 months, at a rate estimated at 36–50 percent. There is an exception, and that is when a tumor has been located in one of the limbs and the entire limb removed. However, amputation of an affected limb is recommended only when quality of life is affected, since these tumors cause little inconvenience unless they interfere with movement, cause pressure-related pain, or develop in a vitally important site, such as a major blood vessel.

Amputation is also recommended before growth of the tumor can cross an attainable surgical margin.

Living and Management

Your veterinarian will schedule re-evaluations as dictated by the tumor growth, and the choice of therapy for controlling the growth.