Re: Sarcoids

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/6/99 10:49:27 PM Pacific Standard Time, MBlanchrd@AOL.COM
writes:

<<  Is a sarcoid the same thing as a melanoma??? >>

No.  Sarcoids are not true cancers, but have some of the properties of
cancers.  They stay on the skin and do not metastasize.  Melanomas ARE
cancers; they vary a lot in how rapidly they grow and spread (some take years,
while others are very invasive and spread very fast) but they all have the
potential to metastasize to other organs and body systems.  BTW--melanomas in
some cases at least seem to respond to cimetidine (Tagamet).  I don't have
much clinical experience with it, but if you have a horse with melanoma, it
might be worth asking your vet about.

Heidi Smith, DVM