EN
Mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most frequently diagnosed cutaneous tumor of the dog, representing between 8% and 21% of all skin tumors. MCT is considered a multifactorial disease with no clear aetiology, confirmed in the dog, with variable clinical presentation, behaviour and response to treatment. It is usually a disease of older animals with a mean age of 8-9 years old, but may occur at any age. Cutaneous MCTs are typically solitary lesions but the gross appearance can mimic many other cutaneous tumors, which is why MCTs are described as "great pretenders". After confirming a diagnosis of MCT, which involves numerous procedures, prognostic factors should be specified because they play a crucial role in prognosis, as well as in therapeutic options. Currently available treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Never-theless, MCTs remain a serious challenge to veterinary surgeons.