Cancer (Oncologic) Surgery for Pets in Scottsdale, AZ
Surgery is often the most effective treatment for many cancers in dogs and cats, and in some cases it can be curative. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our board-certified surgeons plan and perform tumor removal with the goal of achieving appropriate margins while preserving function and comfort, and we coordinate closely with oncologists and your family veterinarian on your pet’s complete cancer care plan.
Tumors We Commonly Treat Surgically
- Skin and subcutaneous tumors, including mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas
- Splenic, liver, and other abdominal tumors described on our abdominal surgical conditions page
- Thyroid, parathyroid, salivary, and jaw tumors outlined on our head and neck surgical conditions page
- Lung and chest wall tumors covered on our chest surgical conditions page
- Mammary gland tumors and other reproductive tumors
- Bladder, kidney, adrenal, and anal gland tumors
- Laryngeal and nasal tumors
Diagnosis and Staging
Effective cancer surgery begins with a clear diagnosis and an understanding of whether the cancer has spread. Before surgery, our team may perform fine-needle aspirates or biopsies, bloodwork, thoracic radiography to check the lungs, and abdominal ultrasound to evaluate internal organs and lymph nodes. Some tumors are diagnosed with minimally invasive tools such as endoscopy, rhinoscopy, or laparoscopic biopsies. Staging helps determine whether surgery is the best option and what kind of procedure is needed.
Surgical Planning and Margins
The first surgery is often the best chance to remove a tumor completely. Our surgeons plan the procedure based on tumor type, size, and location to remove the mass along with an appropriate margin of healthy tissue. When large areas of skin must be removed, we use reconstructive techniques described on our advanced wound care and reconstruction page. All removed tissue is sent for histopathology to confirm the tumor type and assess whether margins are clean.
Coordinated Cancer Care
Some cancers are best treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. We help coordinate referrals to oncology when additional treatment is recommended and keep your family veterinarian informed every step of the way. Our internal medicine team also helps manage pets with concurrent medical conditions. Learn more about our surgery department, review payment options, or explore all conditions we treat.
Cancer Surgery FAQs
Can surgery cure cancer in pets?
For many localized tumors, complete surgical removal can be curative. Other cancers may require additional treatment.
Why are tests needed before surgery?
Staging tests show whether cancer has spread, which helps determine whether surgery is the best option.
What are surgical margins?
Margins are the healthy tissue removed around a tumor to help ensure all cancer cells are taken out.
Will my pet need chemotherapy after surgery?
It depends on the tumor type and pathology results. We coordinate with oncology when additional treatment is recommended.
How long until biopsy results return?
Histopathology results typically return within one to two weeks.
Is my older pet too old for cancer surgery?
Age alone is not a disease. Many senior pets do very well with surgery after a thorough pre-operative evaluation.
Can large tumors be removed?
Often yes. Reconstructive techniques allow our surgeons to close large defects after tumor removal.
Compassionate Cancer Surgery for Your Pet
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule a surgical oncology consultation.