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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell associated with the immune system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in middle-aged and senior cats. In cats, lymphoma most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract, but can also occur in any organ in the body, including the lymph nodes, eyes, kidneys, liver, or spleen.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell associated with the immune system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in middle-aged and senior dogs, accounting for 15 to 20 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Lymphoma most often originates in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, or bone marrow, but can also affect the skin, eyes, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, or lungs. Some forms of lymphoma are slowly progressive and active monitoring, rather than treatment, is recommended.

Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in a dog’s immune system. They contain granules that release histamine and other chemicals involved in allergic reactions and fighting off infectious agents like parasites and bacteria. When mast cells become cancerous they form a mass called a mast cell tumor (MCT). Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant skin tumor found in dogs. They may be seen in dogs of any age but occur most commonly in dogs who are 8 to 10 years old. They can develop on any part of a dog’s body, including internal organs, but the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest are the most common sites. If these tumors spread, they typically spread first lymph nodes near the tumor followed by the liver and spleen.