Introduction - Cancer in Cats
Our little feline friends may not look much like people on the outside, but on the inside their bodies are very similar to ours. Unfortunately this similarity means that cats can develop a lot of harmful medical conditions that people have as well. Sadly cancer is one of these conditions, and cancer is one of the leading causes of death in cats. Cats can develop any number of types of cancer, but there are two cancers that cats are most often diagnosed with: lymphoma and skin tumors.
Common Types of Cancer in Cats
Feline Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in white blood cells called lymphocytes and in lymphoid tissues including the liver, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow all contain lymphoid tissues. There are different types of lymphoma in cats, but the most common type occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Additional forms of lymphoma occur in the chest, kidney, lymph nodes, skin, spinal cord, head, and bone marrow. The symptoms that a cat with lymphoma displays depends on what type of lymphoma the cat has.
Skin Tumors in Cats
Skin tumors in cats come in various forms, but the most common forms include: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors, and fibrosarcomas. Depending on the type of skin tumor, the tumor can either be small or large, it can grow quickly or remain the same size, the tumor may either be on top of the skin or under the skin, and the tumor may appear by itself or in a cluster with other tumors. Many of these tumors have the ability to spread if they are not removed.
Treatment Options for Cat's with Cancer
There are a number of treatment options available for cats with cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and cryotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment will improve the chances of a complete recovery; if you notice any unusual lumps on your cat schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.