Most Frequent Types Of Cancer In Cats

It is the most deadly disease for felines, so it is more than convenient to detect it early; It arises from genetic predisposition, exposure to the sun or chemical agents and, although prevention is a good asset, one must be prepared for aggressive treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery

The group of cells that grow in an atypical way and divide without control is a threat to all living beings. Knowing which are the most common types of cancer in cats can help prevent them.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in cats; one in five cats can suffer from it, so it must be detected in the early stages. Masses or tumors form when cells multiply rapidly. They will be malignant or benign depending on that speed and the ability to invade other tissues.

Cancer that affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are made, is called leukemia. They cause large numbers of atypical cells to escape into the bloodstream, and the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a blood cell, leads to lymphoma.

How they arise

Genetic predisposition, exposure to sunlight or carcinogenic chemical agents, can be triggers of different types of cancer in cats.

Infections such as the feline leukemia virus or the feline immunodeficiency virus, favor the development of some types of cancer in cats. Fortunately, both are easy to spot.

Prevention is not always easy. Weakness and weight loss, poor appetite, lumps on or under the skin, bleeding, changes in the eyes or wounds that do not heal, require an urgent visit to the veterinarian. A strange meow, bad coat, or restlessness indicates that something is going on.

X-rays, ultrasound, surgical or needle biopsies, and some fine needle techniques help detect different types of cancer in cats. Blood tests are a routine that must be carried out periodically.

Computerized axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are sophisticated techniques; they confirm the diagnosis and allow the best treatment to be planned.  Treating a cat with cancer is not always easy, but its quality of life should take priority.

Most common types of cancer in cats

• Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is the most common cancer in cats. The solid tumor originates in the white blood cell called lymphocyte, related to the immune system. It can appear in several places at the same time: lymph nodes, thoracic cavity, gastrointestinal tract, nasal cavity, kidneys and nervous system.
• Squamous cell carcinoma affects the skin and the sun’s rays are triggers. The tumor usually affects the nose or ears, and may look like a scratch or wound that does not heal properly. However, metastasis is not common.

• Breast carcinoma affects the mammary glands, often in females; even if they are sterilized they are not safe and neither are the males. Among the symptoms, multiple swollen areas and even redness; it can spread to local lymph nodes and lungs.
• Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are treatment options; the cat’s response can be very good.
• Early treatment of small, single nodules can alleviate the disease; removal of the tumor and its surrounding tissues are helpful actions.

Aggravators to handle with great care

• Mastocytoma affects the skin, spleen or intestines, where it is usually very aggressive, as it causes obstruction. Metastasis readily occurs, especially to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or spleen. For this, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy are curative options.

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma begins in cells that line the mouth or throat; It affects the tongue, and occasionally invades the bone and local lymph nodes. It often causes difficulty eating, salivation, and halitosis and is difficult to treat.
• Fibrosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma. It is formed from connective tissues, under the skin. It is advisable to combine surgery with radiotherapy and chemotherapy; the prognosis is usually variable.
• Osteosarcoma affects the bones of the extremities, spine, or skull. It causes fractures, a lot of pain and lameness and can spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are often a solution.

In the lungs

Respiratory, nasal or pulmonary carcinoma is the most frequent in the nose and lungs; causes shortness of breath, snoring or snorting, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge. It can spread to the bones and has usually metastasized by the time clinical symptoms occur. Surgery and chemotherapy are effective alternatives.

Adenocarcinomas affect the large and small intestines, which invade extensively. They grow very fast, cause loss of appetite, weight, vomiting and diarrhea; they can spread to local lymph nodes, and treatment is surgery.

The pancreatic and liver adenocarcinoma, bile duct, are rare. They cause jaundice, depression, weight loss, vomiting, and bloating. The prognosis is usually quite serious.