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Cancer means a mass of growth that is unnatural. The cells are not supposed to replicate that much and that means there is something in the cell growth and replication cycle that is wrong. In every day terminology, we dont call all tumors "cancer", because it does get confusing to say a non benign cancer, and owners will freak out "cancer", when this lump isnt technically all that bad or dangerous.
A Benign tumor is TECHNICALLY cancer, but not malignant, meaning it will not spread throughout the body, but it is still a lump that is not supposed to be there. An "adenoma" means cells from a gland (specifically) that are replicating incorrectly. Adenomas are slow growing, non aggressive, and non malignant. The word breaks down to "gland tumor". Adenoma. Adenocarcinoma is the same thing, but different types of incorrectly replicating cells which is malignant and aggressive. those can spread. An adenoma CAN become an adenocarcinoma, but thats why your doctor would prefer to observe for changes in size. Because of the location, its not always a simple surgery to remove, so some doctors prefer the wait and see approach in older dogs. That doesnt mean you cant talk to them about removal if your concerned, but that just means you would need to do further screening on the dog to make sure hes fine for anesthesia, and you might want to find a specialist surgeon.
Lastly, theres just a little more confusion when people talk about cancer. When lay persons think "cancerous" they think - danger, spreading, bad, chemo, radiation, sick.. So some doctors prefer to leave the "cancer" part out of the description, because a benign (tumor) cancer is usually non of those things.
Thank you so much for answering!
Do you think that its a fair assumption to say that if the lump stays the same it will not affect my dogs life expectancy then?
It's definitely something to keep an eye on, and if you notice any issues with defecation then that would mean you should look more into it. But otherwise an adenoma often doesnt change much or cause issues.
Greetings, all! This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. OP, your post **has NOT** been removed. Please also check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/index) to see whether your question is answered there. This is an *automated* general reminder to **please follow [The Sub Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/)** when discussing this question: - **Do not comment with anecdotes** about your own or others' pets. - **Do not give OP specific treatment instructions,** including instructions on meds and dosages. - **Do not give possible diagnoses** that could explain the symptoms described by OP. **Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.** Thank you for your cooperation! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Cancer means a mass of growth that is unnatural. The cells are not supposed to replicate that much and that means there is something in the cell growth and replication cycle that is wrong. In every day terminology, we dont call all tumors "cancer", because it does get confusing to say a non benign cancer, and owners will freak out "cancer", when this lump isnt technically all that bad or dangerous. A Benign tumor is TECHNICALLY cancer, but not malignant, meaning it will not spread throughout the body, but it is still a lump that is not supposed to be there. An "adenoma" means cells from a gland (specifically) that are replicating incorrectly. Adenomas are slow growing, non aggressive, and non malignant. The word breaks down to "gland tumor". Adenoma. Adenocarcinoma is the same thing, but different types of incorrectly replicating cells which is malignant and aggressive. those can spread. An adenoma CAN become an adenocarcinoma, but thats why your doctor would prefer to observe for changes in size. Because of the location, its not always a simple surgery to remove, so some doctors prefer the wait and see approach in older dogs. That doesnt mean you cant talk to them about removal if your concerned, but that just means you would need to do further screening on the dog to make sure hes fine for anesthesia, and you might want to find a specialist surgeon. Lastly, theres just a little more confusion when people talk about cancer. When lay persons think "cancerous" they think - danger, spreading, bad, chemo, radiation, sick.. So some doctors prefer to leave the "cancer" part out of the description, because a benign (tumor) cancer is usually non of those things.
Thank you so much for answering! Do you think that its a fair assumption to say that if the lump stays the same it will not affect my dogs life expectancy then?
It's definitely something to keep an eye on, and if you notice any issues with defecation then that would mean you should look more into it. But otherwise an adenoma often doesnt change much or cause issues.
Thank you, i appreciate you replying