Your dog was diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma. ~1% of all canine tumours. Often incidental finding on thoracic imaging. Adenocarcinoma is the most common histotype. Solitary masses have better prognosis than multiple nodules. Compare 3 treatment options for dogs including Lung Lobectomy, Metronomic Chemotherapy (Inoperable/Advanced), Palliation / Supportive Care — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma
Based on tumour number, size, LN status
Epithelial
About This Cancer
Primary lung cancer in dogs — as distinct from cancer that has spread (metastasised) to the lungs from elsewhere — arises from the cells lining the airways or air sacs. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type. The tumour typically presents as a solitary mass within one lung lobe, often discovered incidentally on chest X-rays taken for other reasons. When symptoms are present, they may include coughing, exercise intolerance, or laboured breathing. The outlook depends largely on whether the tumour is a single mass (better prognosis) or multiple nodules (worse), whether lymph nodes are involved, and whether the tumour can be completely removed by surgery. Dogs with a single lung mass and no lymph node involvement have the best outcome following lung lobectomy, with some living two or more years. Primary lung cancer represents only about 1% of all canine tumours and is not associated with strong breed predispositions.
Modified staging for canine primary lung tumours
Based on tumour number, size, lymph node involvement
Prognostic Factors(3)
Minimum Workup(6 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.