Take-home messages for mast cell tumours are simplicity in staging, emphasized by dr. Craig Clifford, he does not regularly do FNA of liver/spleen as valuable results are in grade I (Patnaik) and low Kiupel 1% only, grade II Patnaik, low Kiupel 3% only and more than this only in grade III Patnaik and high Kiupel, moreover, smears are often hematic and occasional mast cells from liver/spleen do not have diagnostic value. In fact, high diagnostic value has sentinel lymph node, which necessitates lymph node mapping, which we regularly do with CT. As for treatment  surgical resection with margins, applicable for mast cell tumour, being metric or proportional is still the cornerstone of the approach, of course based on anatomic studies of barriers with a  CT, together with sentinel l node resection and HP evaluation, together with proliferative markers if applicable  of primary tumour and lymph node are the cornerstone for the long term prognosis and individualised therapy - surgical, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and target drugs.

As for cutaneous melanoma, malignant form of cutaneous melanocytic tumours the staging resembles one for mast cell tumour, with a difference of consistency of sentinel lymph node spread and possibility of more chaotic spread. Advanced imaging for staging, appropriate resection, lymph node evaluation, check point inhibitors together with radiation therapy and immunotherapy with Oncept melanoma vaccine in selected cases are the cornerstone of diagnostic approach and treatment in hands of dr. Clifford and dr. Liptak.

This congress reaffirmed that advancements in veterinary oncology are rapidly evolving, providing new tools and protocols for more precise diagnosis and treatment of complex neoplastic diseases. We are excited to integrate these insights into our clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes and provide the highest standard of care.

Best wishes to all our clients and their four-legged friends and successful work to all our colleagues.

Prof. dr. Janoš Butinar