regression of malignant melanoma

Re: regression of malignant melanoma

Richard Fox — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:18:10 GMT

I'd say spontaneous regression, (like histiocytomas) and is usually immune mediated. Seen it a few times. However I'd keep at least one eye on it :)

Re: regression of malignant melanoma

Stephen Courtney — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:34:11 GMT

These can be very unpredictable. I've just sent a dog with an oral amelanotic melanoma off for the melanoma vaccine, and will be interesting to see how he does over time. Given that he is a nearly 12 year old Golden Retriever, I hope it will keep him in remission long enough to die of old age, I gather the vaccine is magic providing mets have not already occurred.

But some untreated animals also live years.....so until more have this treatment it will be difficult to call.

Re: regression of malignant melanoma

Rachael Winder — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:20:38 GMT

We've got the same thing with one of our receptionists dogs. Had an oral malignant melanoma diagnosed on histo 9months ago and a ct scan suggested it was invading the jaw. However still no Ln enlargement, other evidence of spread etc and the mass in the mouth has totally vanished to the naked eye! We spoke to Axiom about it- they said it does happen. Mass will not have disappeared and will obviously come back, though when is unpredictable. However they warned that when does "come back" tends to to reappear with a vengeance and usually not long until pts at that stage.

Re: regression of malignant melanoma

Utlendigur — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:07:11 GMT

I had a 9-10yr old black lab cross with a lump on one toe on a front paw. Biopsy came back as melanoma with a high risk of metastasis. I amputated the toe and gave a guarded prognosis. Sure enough the dog came back a few weeks later with a massive prescapular LN. FNAB came back as metastatic melanoma. Dog went home for a few weeks TLC - and didn't reappear until nearly 12nmths later - with mild gastroenteritis and no sign of any enlarged LN or other lumps. As far as I know she is still alive and well 3yrs later