Introduction
There are a variety of skin tumors that may occur in cats, and older cats are particularly at risk for developing these tumors. If you notice any type of unusual lump on your cat’s skin, it is best to have the lump examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The most frequently diagnosed skin tumors in cats include: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, mast cell tumors, and fibrosarcomas.
Types of Skin Tumors in Cats
Basal cell carcinomas
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin tumors diagnosed in cats. These tumors are seen most often in older cats, and they frequently appear on the head, legs, and neck. Basal cell carcinomas are round, firm, and they may form a sore at the tip. This type of skin tumor is not highly invasive.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs more often in older white cats, and this type of skin tumor will also appear as a cancer on the surface of the skin. The most commonly affected areas are the tips of the ears, the eyes, the lips, and inside the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma can either occur as an actual growth or tumor, or it can look like crusty sores that refuse to heal. This type of skin tumor is considered to be moderately invasive.
Mast cell tumors
Mast cell tumors in cats occur more frequently in cats that are older than four years of age. This type of skin tumor usually appears as multiple small lumps or nodules just under the surface of the skin. Another form of mast cell tumors, histiocytic mast cell tumors, is most commonly diagnosed in Siamese cats under the age of four. This type of mast cell tumor appears as multiple lesions on the skin. Mast cell tumors can either be benign, or they can be invasive.
Fibrosarcomas
Fibrosarcomas are aggressive skin tumors that appear in most instances on the cat’s legs, ears, and chest areas. These tumors are firm, they may cause bruising, and they will quickly increase in size. In rare cases, the administration of a vaccine can cause a sarcoma to develop.