Surgical management of sarcoids

Abstract

Equine sarcoids are the most common form of equine skin neoplasia, they can be challenging and expensive to treat. There are many different treatment options available to the equine clinician, with no one treatment suitable for all lesions in all locations. There is a lack of published evidence allowing direct comparison between different treatment within the literature. The use of laser surgery to remove sarcoids has become more popular in recent years and it provides a simple cost-effective way of managing many cases, with results similar to other treatments available. Histopathological analysis of any tissue removed is advisable, although the behaviour of sarcoids following removal is unpredictable and careful monitoring of the surgical site following any form of surgery is essential. If sarcoids recur following removal, then there are a variety of adjunctive therapies available to reduce the risk of further recurrence.