Benigh Tumor

Question
My brother is looking after my beautiful 7 year old Alsation in South Africa at the moment as I am in the UK. He noticed that the Alsation's gums are swollen. On taking him to the vet, he was told that Hayden(the Alsation) has a benigh tumor in his lower jaw. Unfortunately this tumor is attached to the bone and cannot be removed. I want to know more about this. What can we do to make his life easier? What are the options available? He does not seem to be in any pain, but will it get worse, or shrink? What are his survival chances and life expectancy if this tumor is left? Please let me know anything and all you can about this situation as I can deal with situations better if I am equipped with all the facts. Please help me.

Answer
A sample of the tumor should be removed to find out what type tumor it is--you can not say with 100% certainity just by looking at it that it is benign.  An epulis is usually benign but can be very locally aggressive whereas an amelanotic melanoma is a very serious type of mouth cancer.  Without knowing what type of tumor it is, I can not really advise.  And there are speciality veterinary surgeons who can remove jaw tumors, therefore, I would suggest that you seek a consult with a specialist.