Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Cost

By the Pawlee Team

Diagnosis cost

£200–£500

Treatment cost

£500–£5000

Ongoing cost

£50–£200 per month

Severity

Serious

Treatable

Varies

Species

Dogs

What is mast cell tumours?

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the most common skin cancer in dogs, accounting for around 20% of all canine skin tumours. They develop from mast cells, which are part of the immune system. MCTs are unpredictable – some are low-grade and easily cured with surgery alone, while others are high-grade and can spread aggressively to lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Early detection and grading are crucial for determining the right treatment approach and prognosis.

Symptoms to watch for

See a vet soon

A lump or mass on or under the skin, often on the trunk or limbs
A lump that changes size – sometimes swelling and shrinking
Redness, swelling, or bruising around the lump
Itchiness around the affected area
Loss of appetite or vomiting (if the tumour releases histamine)
Lethargy and general malaise in advanced cases

How is mast cell tumours diagnosed?

Test	Typical cost
Fine needle aspirate and cytology	£80–£200
Histopathology (after surgical removal)	£100–£250
Staging tests (blood work, ultrasound, lymph node aspirate)	£200–£500

Treatment options and costs

Surgical excision

£500–£2,000

Wide surgical removal with generous margins (2–3 cm around and one tissue plane deep) is the primary treatment for most mast cell tumours. Low-grade tumours that are completely excised with clean margins have an excellent prognosis. The cost varies depending on tumour location, size, and whether reconstructive surgery is needed.

Chemotherapy

£2,000–£5,000

Recommended for high-grade tumours, incompletely excised tumours, or those that have spread. Protocols typically involve vinblastine and prednisolone, or newer targeted therapies like toceranib (Palladia). Chemotherapy is usually given over 4–6 months with regular blood monitoring. Most dogs tolerate it well with fewer side effects than in human medicine.

Radiotherapy

£2,500–£4,500

Used when surgery cannot achieve clean margins, or as an adjunct to surgery for intermediate-grade tumours. Available at specialist referral centres in the UK. Treatment typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks under general anaesthetic.

Ongoing costs

Estimated ongoing management cost

£50–£200 per month

monthly

Breeds most at risk

Breed	Risk level
Labrador Retriever	High
Golden Retriever	High
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	High
French Bulldog	Moderate
Pug	Moderate
Beagle	Moderate

Does pet insurance cover mast cell tumours?

Mast cell tumour diagnosis and treatment are covered by most pet insurance policies provided the condition is not pre-existing. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can all be claimed, but costs can escalate quickly – a full course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy alongside surgery can exceed £5,000–£7,000. Ensure your policy has a sufficient annual benefit limit. Lifetime policies are particularly important as mast cell tumours can recur or new ones can develop, requiring further treatment in subsequent years.

Related conditions

Lymphoma Dogs

Frequently asked questions

How much does mast cell tumour treatment cost in the UK?

Surgical removal alone costs £500–£2,000 depending on the tumour’s size and location. If chemotherapy is needed, add £2,000–£5,000. Radiotherapy costs £2,500–£4,500. A low-grade tumour caught early and fully removed surgically may cost under £1,500 in total, while a high-grade tumour requiring surgery, chemotherapy, and ongoing monitoring could cost £5,000–£8,000+.

Are all mast cell tumours in dogs cancerous?

All mast cell tumours are technically cancerous, but their behaviour varies enormously. Low-grade (grade 1) tumours are often cured with surgery alone and rarely spread. High-grade (grade 3) tumours are aggressive and more likely to metastasise. Your vet will recommend histopathology grading after surgery to determine the tumour’s aggressiveness and guide further treatment decisions.

Can a mast cell tumour come back after surgery?

If the tumour is low-grade and was completely removed with clean margins, recurrence at the same site is unlikely. However, dogs that have had one mast cell tumour are at higher risk of developing new ones elsewhere. Regular skin checks at home and veterinary examinations every 3–6 months are recommended for early detection of any new lumps.

Should I always get lumps on my dog checked?

Yes, absolutely. While many lumps are harmless fatty lumps (lipomas) or cysts, mast cell tumours can look like almost anything – from a small insect bite to a soft lump under the skin. A quick fine needle aspirate at your vet (costing £80–£200) can usually tell the difference. Early detection of mast cell tumours significantly improves treatment outcomes.