Aggressive Dog Tumor? How Mitotic Index Reveals the Hidden Truth | Dr. Brooke Britton

Dr. Brooke Britton joins James Jacobson to demystify the mitotic index—a critical factor in understanding your dog’s cancer diagnosis. Learn how this number, derived from a tumor biopsy, influences treatment decisions and prognosis for various types of dog cancers like mast cell tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, and melanomas. Dr. Britton shares her expertise in interpreting pathology reports and navigating the nuances of cancer care for your beloved pet.

Topics Covered:

• What is the mitotic index?
• How pathologists calculate and report mitotic index.
• When mitotic index is critical for treatment decisions.
• The role of biopsies in cancer diagnosis and care.
• Why tumors behave unpredictably and what that means for your dog.

Key Takeaway:
The mitotic index is just one of many factors in dog cancer care, but it can play a vital role in understanding tumor behavior and guiding treatment.

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Related Links:

An article on mitotic index: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/mitotic-index/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 What is Mitotic Index?

01:30 How Mitotic Index Is Calculated

03:00 Tumor Heterogeneity

07:00 Mitotic Index and Prognosis

11:00 High vs. Low Mitotic Index

15:00 Biopsy and Treatment Decisions

19:00 Re-Biopsy Insights

21:00 Wrap-Up