Melanoma in Dogs
What You Need to Know About This Aggressive Cancer
When most people think of melanoma, they think of skin cancer in humans. But melanoma in dogs is a different beast altogether. Dogs can get melanoma in several areas of the body: the skin, eyes, nail beds, and most concerningly, the mouth. It’s common and ranks in the top five most frequently diagnosed cancers in dogs, but is also one of the more aggressive types, especially when it develops in the mouth.
Today, we’re focusing on Oral Melanoma, a tough diagnosis for a dog and their family to face.
What Is Oral Melanoma in Dogs?
Oral melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in a dog’s body. These tumors often show up in the gums, lips, or roof of the mouth. While some may appear pigmented (black or dark brown), others can be amelanotic, meaning they lack pigment and are harder to spot visually.
This form of melanoma is known for being particularly aggressive. It tends to invade nearby tissues and has a high likelihood of spreading (metastasizing) to the lymph nodes and lungs. Because it often begins deep in the mouth, pet parents may not notice it until their dog shows signs of discomfort or starts to exhibit changes in eating behavior, drooling, or bad breath.
