Irish terrier with mass on head

About the Case

Sebaceous tumors belong to a larger group of epithelial tumors that includes epidermal, follicular, sebaceous, sweat gland, and nailbed tumors. Tumors in this large group are common in dogs, although the precise nomenclature can be challenging. The sebaceous tumors include hyperplastic lesions and benign and malignant neoplasms. Although many tumors are benign, meaning they are unlikely to metastasize to distant locations, they can be locally aggressive and often rupture into non-healing masses requiring surgical excision for resolution. Cytologic evaluation can help to guide next steps, but histopathologic evaluation of tissue architecture is necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Read more regarding sebaceous tumors and other epidermal and hair follicle tumors.

References

Yoon JS and Park J: Immunohistochemical characterization of sebaceous epithelioma in two dogs. Iran J Vet Res 2016 Spring;17(2):134-136. PMCID: PMC5090144

Sabattini S, Bassi P, Bettini G. Histopathological findings and proliferative activity of canine sebaceous gland tumours with a predominant reserve cell population. J Comp Pathol. 2015 Feb-Apr;152(2-3):145-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2014.12.011.