Your dog was diagnosed with Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma (MLO). Uncommon tumour arising from skull and flat bones. Locally aggressive with significant metastatic potential (56%). Slow-growing but progressive. Compare 2 treatment options for dogs including Surgical Excision (Craniectomy / En Bloc Resection), Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (SRT) — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma (MLO)
Canine Oncology Treatment Guide
Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma (MLO)
Mesenchymal
About This Cancer
Multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) is an uncommon tumour that arises from the flat bones of the skull and, less frequently, from other flat bones. It grows slowly as a hard, lobulated (lumpy) mass that gradually expands, and its name reflects its distinctive microscopic pattern of multiple rounded lobules of bone and cartilage. Despite its often slow clinical progression, MLO has meaningful metastatic potential — approximately half of cases will eventually spread to distant sites, most commonly the lungs. Treatment hinges on surgical removal, and achieving complete excision with clean margins is the single most important prognostic factor. The tumour's skull location can make surgery challenging, and advanced techniques including craniectomy or stereotactic radiation may be needed.
Prognostic Factors(1)
Minimum Workup(4 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.