Tumour staging
Checking whether and how far the tumour has spread: chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, lymph nodes, blood tests.
What it involves
Staging answers three questions: how large and how deeply invasive the primary tumour is (T), whether the regional lymph nodes are involved (N), and whether there are distant metastases (M) — most often in the lungs, liver and spleen. The answers determine whether an operation makes sense, how extensive it should be, and whether additional treatment is needed.
We choose the set of tests according to the type of tumour, because different tumours metastasise by different routes: mast cell tumour — to the lymph nodes, liver and spleen; mammary carcinoma and sarcomas — to the lungs; lymphoma — to the bone marrow and internal organs. As standard this includes digital chest X-ray in three views, abdominal ultrasound with assessment of the nodes and organs, cytology of the regional lymph node, and a blood count and biochemistry with urinalysis.
When it is used
After a diagnosis or a well-founded suspicion of a malignant tumour, before a decision about surgery or other treatment. Also during treatment, to check the response, and after it ends as part of monitoring for recurrence (usually every 3–6 months). For benign tumours confirmed by histopathology, staging is not needed.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- Cytology or histopathology has shown a malignant tumour in my dog or cat.
- An operation to remove a tumour is planned and I want to know whether the cancer has spread any further.
- A dog with a mast cell tumour is due to have surgery and the vet wants to check the nodes, liver and spleen.
- A bitch with a mammary tumour needs a chest X-ray before mastectomy.
- After treatment has finished I want a check to see whether there is any recurrence.
- My pet has a tumour and has clearly lost weight or become weaker — is the disease progressing?
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Staging is preceded by diagnosis of the primary lesion (cytology or histopathology). We carry out all the basic tests on site: digital X-ray, ultrasound with the option of image-guided biopsy, and the laboratory (blood count, biochemistry, urine). Sampling organs requires sedation — we prepare the patient for it according to STD-01.
How it proceeds
Most of the tests fit into one visit lasting 1,5–2 hours: chest X-ray (without sedation in calm animals), abdominal ultrasound after clipping the abdomen, blood and urine sampling, and sampling of a lymph node. If the ultrasound shows changes in organs, we offer to sample them under image guidance — under short sedation, on the same or the next day.
We bring the results together: the imaging report, cytology, laboratory results — and determine the stage using the scale appropriate to the given tumour. On this basis we discuss the realistic options and the prognosis with the owner. We record everything in the medical records and pass it to the referring veterinarian (STD-06).
Aftercare
After tests without sedation the animal returns to its normal routine straight away; after sedation — a quiet day. We discuss cytology results that involve an external consultation within 1–3 days, by phone or at a visit.
We plan follow-up staging during and after treatment in advance (usually every 3–6 months); between checks, call if a cough, weight loss, weakness, a swollen abdomen or new lumps appear.
Frequently asked questions
Is staging necessary if we are planning surgery anyway?
Yes. Metastases in the lungs or lymph nodes change whether the operation makes sense at all, as well as its extent and aim. It is better to know this before the anaesthetic than after.
How long does the whole process take?
The full set of basic tests usually takes one visit, at most two; the final picture depends on the waiting time for cytology and histopathology results.
Does the absence of metastases mean the cancer is curable?
It means that local treatment has a chance of being effective. We do not promise a cure — we discuss the prognosis on the basis of the tumour type, grade and stage.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about tumour staging?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.