Histiocytoma
Also Known As: Button Tumor
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A benign, usually self-limiting tumor of mononuclear white blood cells in the skin which are derived from epidermal Langerhans cells.
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Most common in younger (< 4yr) dogs.
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Usually a single, rapidly growing raised, round, hairless pink, red or ulcerated skin nodule. They occur most commonly on the head, ears and legs.
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See Clinical Signs.
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Needle aspirate and/or biopsy of the nodule reveals round cells which are typical histiocytes +/- associated inflammatory cells.
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Good, as these tumors are benign.
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In most cases, these tumors will spontaneously regress within 2-3 months due to immune stimulation. Treatment with topical or systemic steroids is therefore unnecessary and may inhibit immune clearance of the tumors. Lesions which persist for longer than 2-3 months should be removed and biopsied, and excision is curative in these cases.
