Treatment of perianal and vulval masses

A variety of tumours potentially affect the perianal and vulval region; however, by far the most commonly encountered would be melanomas. These are typically recognised in one of four forms: melanocytic nevi, anaplastic malignant melanoma, dermal melanoma and dermal melanomatosis. It is the last two that are typical of older grey horses and clinically consist of single masses or multiple coalescing lesions respectively [1]. Other tumours affecting this region include squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), most commonly in nonpigmented breeds such as Paints and Appaloosas, and sarcoids. A variety of treatments have been advocated, several of which can be considered to be specific for certain tumours. They may be roughly categorised as follows ...