Canine tongue tumors: a retrospective review of 57 cases

The tongue is a less common site for oral tumors in dogs than in cats, although squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type. Of 57 canine lingual cases in a multisite study, 21 were squamous cell carcinoma, 7 were granular cell myoblastoma, 7 malignant melanoma, 5 mast cell tumor, and 17 were of eleven other tumor types; 51% occurred on the dorsal surface. Four of 16 (25%) dogs with squamous cell carcinoma were alive at 12 months after treatment (surgery in two cases, surgery and radiation in two other cases). Six of seven granular cell myoblastoma cases showed logical cure and no distant spread of the lesion after surgical treatment (median period 31 months).  Surprisingly perhaps, all four dogs with malignant melanoma treated surgically in this series were free of local disease (median period 22 months); however, only one dog with mast cell tumor was free of local disease after surgical treatment.

Sources:

Beck ER, Withrow, S.J. et al: Canine tongue tumors: a retrospective review of 57 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. Jul/Aug, 22:525-532, 1986.

Harvey Colin, Emily Peter: Small Animal Dentistry. Mosby- Year Book, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri 1993.

Here is a tumor on the tongue, a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) was performed

A biopsy was performed and histological diagnosis is pending. 

The tongue: 

The tongue is divided into the Tip, margin, body and root.

The rostral two thirds is covered with short, pointed, filiform papillae and the tips are directed caudally to aid in grooming.