Cancer is a terrible disease, and it has touched virtually everyone on the planet in one way or another. Tumors arise from a normal cell in the body that has undergone mutations allowing for uncontrolled cell growth. The mutations may allow for the cell to have unlimited growth signals and become insensitive to antigrowth signals. It can also avoid apoptosis (programmed cell death), develop limitless replicative potential, sustain angiogenesis, and have the ability to invade tissues or metastasize. There are, of course, different classifications of tumors.
Malignant tumors can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these modalities. Tumors that are locally invasive and unlikely to spread are often treated with local therapies such as surgery and radiation. On the other hand, systemic tumors are treated systemically with chemotherapy. When radiation therapy is needed, a specialist will consult with pet owners regarding treatment options.
Philip Treuil is an expert in radiation therapy for animals, and he works in a private practice where he can help others. His specialty is dealing with radiation therapy for animals of all kinds. Radiation therapy can be administered with the mindset of curing the disease, or to provide palliative care. Definitive therapy is meant to cure while palliative therapy is designed to improve the pet’s quality of life. Dr. Philip Treuil explained that the palliative protocols are designed to minimize the risk of creating side effects and that it is very rare for them to develop. He hopes that people are better educated on what they can do for their pets following a consultation.