The principals of surgical oncology: diagnosis and staging

The surgical treatment of neoplasms is one of the most common procedures performed in small animal practice. The proper approach to surgical oncology requires a knowledge of tumor types and their biologic behavior, different treatment modalities, and prognosis. A thorough physical examination is required to determine the presence and extent of a tumor, evaluate regional lymph nodes, and identify comorbid or paraneoplastic conditions that may influence anesthetic and surgical management. Various imaging modalities can be used for clinical staging to determine the location, size, and extent of a local tumor, as well as the presence of regional and distant metastasis. Biopsy of the tumor is often necessary to identify tumor type. Fine-needle aspiration, needle-core biopsy, incisional biopsy, or excisional biopsy may be used. The results of clinical staging tests and tumor biopsy are then used to ascertain treatment options and prognosis.