Cutaneous Lymphoma in Dogs

What is cutaneous lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is common in dogs and seen in almost every organ. Cutaneous lymphoma is a rare form that occurs in the skin. Statistics suggest that cutaneous lymphoma accounts for about 5% of canine lymphoma cases.

Canine cutaneous lymphoma can present various clinical signs, including itching, alopecia (hair loss), scaly skin, skin redness, loss of skin color, ulcers, nodules, pustules, and plaques. As cutaneous lymphoma progresses, the skin becomes thickened, reddened, ulcerated, and may ooze fluid. 

While any skin area may be affected, the most common locations to find cutaneous lymphoma lesions include the junction between mucus membranes and the skin. Examples include the lip margins, eyelids, around the nose, anus/rectum, vulva, and the prepuce of the penis. 

How is cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed?

Cutaneous lymphoma is diagnosed by skin biopsy, which is the removal of affected tissue to be examined by a veterinary pathologist in a laboratory. It may spread to lymph nodes in the area of the skin lesions, which is the disease’s pathway to the rest of the body. Once the lymph nodes are involved, systemic spread to the organs can occur. 

Is there any treatment for canine cutaneous lymphoma? 

Not much is known about canine cutaneous lymphoma, so there are no standard treatment protocols. Treatment depends on the extent of the dog’s disease. Single lesions can be removed surgically or may be treated with radiation therapy. Certain chemotherapy medications may also be used, but most have been shown to have little beneficial effect.

Other supportive medications may improve quality of life or treat secondary infections. Once the lymphoma has spread, then systemic treatment is generally recommended, which means a multi-modal chemotherapeutic approach. 

What is the outlook for dogs with cutaneous lymphoma? 

Unfortunately, canine cutaneous lymphoma typically comes with a poor prognosis. Dogs diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma that has become systemic, who are treated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents, may survive 8 months to 1.5 years. Canine cutaneous lymphoma is a complex and discouraging disease for dogs and their owners.