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Discussion on Bony tumor on jaw
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New Member:
Jdoit
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 - 1:17 am:
All,
My 15 yr. old quarter/thoroughbred developed a lump (actually more of a jutting out) on his jaw 2 months ago. It feels like a continuation of the jaw bone just in front of the cheek and seems not painful. It has doubled in size from about an inch to an inch and a half. My vet x-rayed and is worried. Radiologist consulted said it looked like an "undifferentiated sarcoma". Vet wants to biopsy which seems logical enough but I am afraid the biopsy will result in an increased growth or an open wound since the bone must be drilled into. I think it is difficult to biopsy a bony tumor (?) Miles seems healthy, happy and is eating well (he is retired due to an old hind leg injury). Am I being overly concerned about the damage a biopsy can do? Has anyone else gone through this? I'm not sure that the information gained will help in treatment as there are limits to excision in that area. I'm not sure what else you could do...
thanks for any info/experiences
sally
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 - 7:24 am:
Sally, did the radiologist say sarcoma or osteosarcoma? If this is a progrssive tumor and possible treatment or prognosis contemplated a biopsy is going to be necessary. Complications are possible but not knowing the particulars of this case they are best discussed with your veterinarian.
DrO
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Member:
Jdoit
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 - 11:20 am:
DrO
My vet, conveying the radiologist's comments, used the term sarcoma. It was a verbal consult (no written report). Vet said the bone looks thin at the point (its a triangular growth) where he plans to enter. Can you comment on, in your experience with biopsies requiring drilling of bone, a likelihood of it resulting in an open wound or aggravating the tumor? Perhaps it is too dependent on the nature of the tumor to generalize. My vet could only say "sometimes".
thanks for your time,
sally
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Member:
Suzym
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 - 12:21 pm:
Sally ~ I don't know if this will ease your mind or not, but my gelding had four bone marrow biopsies - three in the hip bone and one in the sternum. I nearly fainted the first time I saw the procedure, but he didn't seem to mind at all. And, even though he was severely immune system compromised as well as having almost no platelets, he did not bleed excessively and there were no problems with the "drilling" site healing.
Hope this helps.
Suzy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 - 11:33 pm:
It would be an unusual sarcoid (usually well circumscribed) that prevented the skin from healing normally but as your vet says it happens sometimes. Usually the problem is devitalized tissue that becomes infected easily and keeps the wound from healing. Besides the type of tumor, the amount of damage to surrounding tissues, technique, and after care will all effect outcome.
DrO
DrO
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Member:
Jdoit
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Posted on Monday, Jul 14, 2003 - 7:22 pm:
DrO and Suzanne,
Thank you both for your input. It seems the benefits probably outweigh the risks of the biopsy. I would like to do everything I can for him.
Sally
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Member:
Jdoit
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Posted on Friday, Jul 25, 2003 - 10:11 pm:
Just wanted to share that the biopsy shows no evidence of cancer!!!!!!! Looks like we're dealing with a cyst. Miles tolerated the biopsy very well. We're consulting with U.C. Davis regarding treatment of the cyst. I guess radiographs can be difficult to interpret in these cases.
Sally
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Member:
Suzym
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Posted on Saturday, Jul 26, 2003 - 12:31 pm:
That's wonderful news, Sally!  What a relief, huh????!!!!
Thanks for letting us know!
Suzy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jul 28, 2003 - 9:22 am:
Excellent Sally, let us know the outcome.
DrO
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Member:
Paul303
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Posted on Monday, Jul 28, 2003 - 10:40 pm:
Oh, wow! How great is that!??!!! Will be watching for more news.
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