What is the primary method for staging cancer in veterinary oncology?

The primary method for staging cancer in veterinary oncology is radiographic imaging. This approach involves using various imaging techniques, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, to visualize the extent of the cancer within the animal's body. These imaging modalities are crucial for assessing the presence of tumors, their sizes, locations, and whether they have metastasized to other organs or lymph nodes. Accurate staging is essential for determining the prognosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan.

While other methods, such as biopsy and clinical evaluation, contribute valuable information about the cancer, they are primarily used for diagnosis rather than staging. A biopsy provides histopathological confirmation of cancer type, and clinical evaluation involves assessing the patient’s overall health and signs of disease. Immunohistochemistry is a specialized laboratory technique that, while useful in diagnosing specific tumor types and characteristics, does not serve as a primary staging tool in the comprehensive assessment of cancer extent.