On Wed, 13 Nov 2002, Sukie Crandall wrote on the subject of mast cell
tumors,
>Jen, it may help you some to know that mast cell tumors are virtually
>always benign in ferrets.  [...]  The last i heard only one case of a
>malignant one had ever been found in a ferret, despite these being so
>common.
 
Although I recognize Sukie's knowledge and experience in this area, I
think this statement could be misleading.  While almost all mast cell
tumors are benign, but not every growth that looks like a mast cell tumor
actually is.
 
Just last week, I had a ferret growth biopsied despite having every
reason to believe it was a mast cell tumor, and learned it was a
hemangiosarcoma.
 
Kara & 19 ferkids
[Posted in FML issue 3967]