Oral tumor radiation
therapy for pets
in Florida.
Oral tumors are the fourth most common cancer in dogs. Radiation plays a critical role — as post-surgical treatment to eliminate microscopic disease, as primary therapy when surgery is not feasible, or as palliative care to relieve pain and restore function.
“The only center 100% dedicated to Radiation Oncology in Florida”
Radiation plays a critical role
in oral tumor management.
Oral tumors in dogs and cats span a wide range of histologies — each with different biology, behavior, and response to treatment. What they share is the challenge of location: the oral cavity's proximity to critical structures makes surgery complex, and wide surgical margins are rarely achievable. Radiation addresses this directly.
Radiation therapy is used in three distinct contexts for oral tumors: as post-surgical treatment to sterilize surgical margins and reduce local recurrence, as primary treatment when resection is not feasible, and as palliative therapy to relieve pain, reduce tumor burden, and restore a pet's ability to eat and function normally.
Why tumor type matters more than location
Oral melanoma, fibrosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and acanthomatous epulis behave very differently. Melanoma requires systemic consideration in addition to local control. Fibrosarcoma is locally aggressive and recurrence-prone. SCC in cats is among the most challenging cancers in veterinary medicine. Acanthomatous epulis — while locally destructive — has excellent outcomes with CFRT. Treatment planning at AARADONC begins with identifying exactly what the tumor is before deciding how to treat it.
When radiation makes the difference
Post-surgical radiation significantly reduces local recurrence rates for oral tumors with incomplete or narrow margins — a situation that is common given the anatomical constraints of oral surgery in small patients. When surgery is not feasible or the owner chooses not to pursue it, radiation as the primary modality can achieve meaningful local control and symptom relief across multiple tumor types.
Common oral tumors
in dogs and cats.
Each oral tumor type has different biology, behavior, and treatment priorities. Dr. DiBernardi selects the protocol based on histopathology, CT staging, surgical history, and your goals.
Precision radiation.
Tailored to your pet.
Oral tumor treatment at AARADONC begins with a complete specialist review. Dr. DiBernardi personally evaluates histopathology, CT imaging, surgical reports, and your goals before recommending a protocol. No two plans are the same.
CT simulation and target definition. CT-guided planning maps the gross tumor volume and surgical bed with precision — ensuring the right tissue is treated and critical structures are spared.
Post-surgical CFRT. When surgical margins are incomplete or narrow, adjuvant CFRT significantly reduces local recurrence and extends disease-free survival.
Palliative radiation for pain relief. When curative intent is not the goal, 3–5 session protocols reduce tumor burden, relieve oral pain, and restore your pet's ability to eat and function.
Protocol is chosen by tumor type and your goals.
What pet owners
ask us most.
Same-day response.
Dr. DiBernardi personally reviews every case. Tell us about your pet and we'll respond the same day with a clear, honest recommendation.
Request a Consultationan oral tumor.
Submit a referral and receive same-day acknowledgment. We coordinate directly with your practice throughout treatment and provide full written reports.
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