Is 2 Greater Than 3? Making Sense of a New 2-Tiered Grading System for Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Historically, histopathologic grade has been one of the most reliable predictors of survival in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs). For many years, the system most commonly used to grade MCTs was a 3-tiered scheme described by Patnaik and colleagues.1 The Patnaik system classifies MCTs as grade 1 (low), 2 (intermediate), or 3 (high) depending upon several histopathologic features. Patnaik grade correlates strongly with prognosis, at least for grade 1 tumors, which are almost always cured by surgical removal, and grade 3 tumors, which are almost never cured by surgical removal, often metastasize widely, and usually result in death of the affected dog.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Guest Editorial Source Type: research