Cancer Of Cat

 

Cancer Of Cat

When a pet gets sick, it can be very stressful for the whole family. Unfortunately, all animals are susceptible to illness and can be as serious as cancer. Fortunately,  advances in veterinary medicine can successfully treat many types of cancer. Early detection is very important. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the common signs of cancer  in cats. In particular, cats are mysterious and can  hide their emotions even when they feel sick.

Most Common Types of Cat Cancers and Symptoms

Cancer is a broad term used to describe  hundreds of different diseases in which abnormal cells grow rapidly in the body and sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can occur in any organ or tissue and is often difficult to detect. However, there are four types of cancer that are most common in cats: 

•  Lymphoma (blood cancer) 
•  Fibrosarcoma (soft tissue sarcoma) 
•  Squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) 
•  Breast cancer (breast cancer) 

All cancers have unique symptoms, but not all cats have the same symptoms. It is also important to understand that  the following symptoms may be more common: B. Changes in eating habits, weight loss or gain, difficulty urinating or defecation, and lethargy. However, because cancer is a rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells, tumors or abnormal growth can be a symptom of cancer, especially if the mass is growing rapidly.

Lymphoma

Blood cells that compromise the immune system are where feline lymphoma cancer is detected. There are many different varieties of lymphoma, but because the disease is systemic and spreads through the blood vessels, some cats may have it in multiple locations on their bodies at once. Feline lymphoma and feline leukemia are related, and lymphoma incidence have decreased as more cats have received the feline leukemia vaccine. 2 Thankfully, chemotherapy has a very high success rate in the treatment of lymphoma, and cats often accept the drug well with little side effects. 3 Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite are among the symptoms of the most prevalent type of feline lymphoma, which is located in the digestive system.

Fibrosarcoma

Any soft tissue can develop fibrosarcoma, which is often a form of skin cancer. Regrettably, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery may be used to address the aggressive nature of feline fibrosarcoma. The success rate of treatment varies and is influenced by numerous variables. The majority of cats get fibrosarcoma where they had an earlier shot or immunization. There will be a skin lump or development, but no indications of pain or discomfort. Lethargy, dehydration, and significant weight loss are signs of advanced cases. 6 The likelihood of remission is considerably increased by early diagnosis and therapy.

Oral Cancer

The most frequent type of oral cancer in cats is squamous cell carcinoma, and tumors can develop anywhere in the cat's oral cavity, including the tongue, lymph nodes, gums, and the lining of the mouth. Lack of appetite, swallowing issues, poor breath, and excessive drooling are typical symptoms. 5 Unfortunately, the outlook is not particularly bright because there are few available therapeutic choices. 4 Of course, every situation is unique, and your veterinarian will inform you of all the possibilities for your cat.

Mammary Tumors

Age and breed play an influence in mammary tumors, often known as feline breast cancer. Cats over 10 years old or in middle age are most likely to develop mammary tumors. Siamese cats appear to be especially susceptible to this malignancy, even at a younger age. A mammary tumor's most typical symptom is one or more hard nodules that are developing under the skin of the belly. Chemotherapy and surgery are used during treatment. Depending on the size and quantity of tumors, the prognosis varies. 7

Causes Of Cancer in Cats

Like human cancer, there is no single cause of cancer. In most cases, pet cancer  is caused by a combination of genetic  and environmental factors. Until recently, little research has  been done on cat cancer. Today, veterinarians and veterinary oncologists have a much better understanding of  cancer in pets and how to successfully treat cancer.

Cancer Treatment For Cats

The best defense against your pet's illness is to be aware of changes in your pet's behavior. After all, you and your family know your pet best, and  pets can't tell you what's wrong, so their behavior can be a sign of it. Also, beware of abnormal growth. Often, these growths or neoplasms are not cancer at all, but  abnormal growth of harmless cells commonly found in pets, especially the elderly. Special attention should be paid to rapidly growing tumors, as non-cancerous or benign neoplasms tend to grow slowly. 1 Of course, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is essential for successful early diagnosis and  treatment. 

 Unfortunately,  pet illness can be stressful as well as costly. Get the best possible protection with Pets Best's personalized pet insurance. Not only does the coverage keep your pet  healthy, but you can rest assured that your pet and family will be provided with adequate medical care in the event of a serious illness. ..

References

Veterinary Medical Association of America (2008, October). What you need to know about animal cancer. retrieved from CancerAnEng.pdf at publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet

2 C. Barnette (n.d.). Leukemia in cats. retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lymphoma-in-cats at VCA Hospitals

3 L. Mingus (2019, November 20). Cats' Common Cancers. Retrieved from https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/2019/11/20/common-cancers-in-cats/ at Colorado State University Cancer Center.

4 NC State Veterinary Hospital, (n.d.). Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma is a medical oncology term. The following information was taken from NC State Veterinary Hospital: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/nc-state-vet-hospital/small-animal/oncology/feline-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/

5 M. Pellin and M. Turek (n.d.). Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Review. From Today's Veterinary Practice, retrieved at: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/feline-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/

6 veterinarians in South Carolina who specialize in emergency care (n.d.). Fibrosarcoma in cats. http://www.scvsec.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Feline-Fibrosarcoma.pdf was retrieved from South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care.

7 Pinard, C. Stoewen, D. (n.d.). Cats with Mammary Tumors. Mammary tumors in cats were retrieved from VCA Hospitals at https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/.