Lumps and bumps-(Cancer)

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Last month, I noticed that our little 2yr old Brianna had developed a small lump between her lower canine tooth and the front small tooth. I called our vet, and got her right away. He said not to worry, it is only a Gingival Hyperplasia, and probably caused from an irritation. He sent us home to keep an eye on it for changes, etc. and recommended removing it if it becomes uncomfortable or have it remove during a routine dental procedure. O.K. that is not a problem, and made me very happy it was nothing. Well, about two weeks later, I noticed it was bleeding, probably from the upper Canine tooth coming down on top I thought and so I called the vet again and he said not to worry and it is a simple Gingivectomy (lop off of the lump) and so we did this. I did insisted that a biopsy be sent in. He mentioned the cost, I told him to go ahead and biopsy the lump. Well, our little lump according to the Histopathology Report is called a Plasmacytoma, a Plasma Cell Tumor. It states this particular neoplasm is considered to be one of the more pleomorphic types and thus, these can have more aggressive local behavior and metastasize.......and the Prognosis is fair. We have now gone for a second opinion from another vet that came highly recommended (this is good reference to alt. vets http://www.perseusfoundation.org/new-petowner/visit.cfm ) And we have been using them for our other dog with medical issues with good outcome. We are on an alt. treatment protocol for her and we will be back for a re check in a couple of weeks. Concurrently looking at an Oncologist in Glendale, WI. Does anyone have experience with Veterinary Oncologists? Thanks much, Debbie and little Brianna

Update 10/27/09 Not the best news.....I took Brianna in for a checkup on Friday. She is doing so well, and thought this would go so smooth. But, I saw this pimple sized (looks a lot like a canker sore) growth behind the lower Canine tooth on the bottom, on the same side as the original tumor. It is very small! Even he mentioned it was too small to even biopsy. The vet sent the report of this to the Oncologist that we are seeing. I just spoke with receptionist over the phone today and the Onc wants to do another Biopsy through their dentist.....I asked a ton of question regarding depth and all but she could not answer this. I will be getting a call back as soon as the records make it over to the dentist specialist and then we will be making an appointment along with the info in what she wants them to do. :(((

Update 11-17-09Finally!! I got the low-down! NO second biopsy (yet) wait and watch. After the Onc. office called-I wanted more info....this is been killing me. No word for two and a half weeks on what she was prescribing and having us do....The Onc was out for the first week at a seminar, then went on vacation I guess....I called our vet during the first week when she was out ...he did the original Biopsy, to see if maybe he could get a message in to her and get something back...nothing! Ok, I took Brianna into him and had him look at this regrowth behind the tooth. He said it would be too small to biopsy (just like the alt vet said), but agreed there is something there, and could be a scar! O.K. now what? He called back yesterday that the Onc. finally called and they discussed the findings....there was a miscommunication with the Alt vet and report, and she had in Brianna's chart that any regrowth means second biopsy, and why she just wanted me to jump her into the dentist! Crums sake, I could have done just that and while she was on VACATION had my poor baby under the knife! Ok I am done venting, but I am taking this a much better new and thankful AGAIN it looks like we are going to be just fine.......

[Tammy & Gracie]

Don't know any vets in that area but I would be interested in what you are doing for her now (alternative treatments and supplements).

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Well, although I am not 100% sold on the alt. protocols being the right and only way to go..... but a parallel path perhaps while we evaluate Oncologists and treatment options. Here is what they said with cancer it was recommended feeding a no carb diet. He believes boosting the immune system for Brianna's cancer is a way to go, but for most others it is usually not recomm. Case/by case I guess, so we are on a bio-immune system tablet, Essen fish oil 3 Plus and a something called Survival which has been shown to help with tumors.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Debbie..I'm so sorry to hear about Brianna....I can't believe that you posted this today of all days.....Blake just went this morning with the same issue,.....lump resembling a large wart on the gum below the lower incisor....He is scheduled for biopsy surgery next Friday......Vet said possible Plasmacytoma.....Common in Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.....He also is 2 years old.....It's normally seen in older dogs....I'm trying not to be upset...Hopefully we can support each other through this....

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Holey Smokes Jacquie you bet, I can't tell you how far my stomach just dropped reading your response! I am so sorry to hear this. I truly hope it is not the same and just a simple irritation, like we had hoped. Poor Blake...give him a big hug from Brianna and me...Brianna's lump was smooth and did not have a wart like appearance. It looked even, gum colored. It did give the appearance of pushing the two teeth apart. But once removed, it had not. I will keep you and Blake in my thoughts and prayers..best of wishes for Friday. Sincerely, Deb

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Jacquie, I wanted to write this out for you and hope it reassures and comforts you a bit. I'm copying this info from our papers and it is also what I have read with Plasmacytoma's...There are types. "In most types, these neoplasms are benign and curable with excision, but rarely they can exhibit aggressive growth and even metastasize. Cutaneous, oral and colorectal plasmacytomas are apparently unrelated to multiple myeloma. A study of canine extramedullary plasmacytomas confirms that a majority of these tumors have a completely benign behavior, but noted rare instances of local recurrence and metastasis by the most Pleomorphic subtypes......." continued with the info of ours being the Pleomorphic type. Jacquie, So I hope this info helps to reassure you that it is usually benign. Hope this helps you to relax a bit, I know the waiting can be so tough.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Debbie, thank you so much for everything!..I have your email address and I'll be writing to you shortly....You have my prayers and support.....Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you....Thank you for your reassurances, support and help.....We'll get through this.....I know it....

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

Hi jacquie thank you so much, how are you both doing? I hope tomorrow goes smooth I am typing on a silly little phone (comp crashed) so I may not have gotten any update. Hope to hear from you, giving you my best for you both, and will be keeping you in our thoughts tomorrow.

[Tammy & Gracie]

If the growth is warty looking, it could just be a viral papilloma?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nope, I know Jac's vet said it wasn't a papilloma.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Debbie an Jacquie
We are sending our thoughts, prayers and hugs your way. Praying it turns out great for both of you,
Adrianne

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Debbie and Jacquie, I am sending calming thoughts your way. I will be thinking of both of you and hoping for the best. I does sound like you both have caught this early by your diligence. That has to be a good thing.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear this news about both dogs. I went through a similar issue with Rex, my son's standard poodle, who came to live with me during his last year and a half. He had a small lesion on his forehead which the vet was certain was benign.Although benign hair follicle growths are common in poodles it turned out to be malignant. In a short span of time we found it had metastasized to his bones and lung. I did speak to a vet at a southern medical school who I hoped had some possible treatment for him. Unfortunately in this case there were no recommended treatments and he received pain meds and palliative care until we decided he was suffering and we had to euthanize him. Debbie, the reason to go into this detail is because if there is an accepted oncological treatment I would urge you to seriously consider it. Pleiomorphic is ususally a description of a poorer prognosis in tumors and I think you need to be aggressive. If you have a veterinary school anywhere near you , you might want to consult with them.