What is the primary treatment option for localized tumors in small animals?

The primary treatment option for localized tumors in small animals is surgery. This approach is often favored because it allows for the direct removal of the tumor, potentially providing a cure if the tumor has not metastasized. Surgical intervention can completely excise the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue, which reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

Surgery is particularly effective in cases where the tumor is well-defined and accessible, enabling veterinarians to achieve clear margins. Additionally, it can provide the opportunity for histopathological examination of the tumor, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and staging. Depending on the type of tumor and its location, surgery may sometimes be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but the primary focus remains on surgical excision for localized disease.

In contrast, options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are often used for tumors that are more extensive, metastatic, or where surgical options are not viable, highlighting the role of surgery as the first line of treatment for localized tumors in small animals.