When we talk about cancer in cats we refer to a group of diseases that cause the uncontrolled division of cells in different parts of the body, thus causing in most cases the appearance of a tumor. Due to a better quality of life for domestic cats, which in turn implies greater longevity, cases of cancer in felines are becoming more frequent.
In this article on our site we will show you everything you need to know about cancer in cats, reviewing the different types that exist, the most common symptoms, diagnostic methods and different types of treatment.
Cancer in cats
cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases. All of them have in common that the cells of certain parts of the body grow and divide without stopping, which causes an expansion into the surrounding tissues. Some types of cancer also form lumps that we know as a "tumor" or "neoplasm" and that are actually an accumulation of cells.
There are several types of neoplasms, such as those commonly known as "benign" tumors, which are those that do not invade tissue and do not spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, we find "malignant" tumors, those that do spread throughout the body, forming what is known as "metastasis"
It is not always possible to know the causes that cause cancer in cats, but the most common are:
- Genetic predisposition
- Exposure to certain factors
- Viral infections
Types of cancer in cats
Currently we know a great variety of types of cancer that can affect our felines, therefore, we will name the most common types of cancer in cats and their characteristics:
- Lymphoma: it is considered the most frequent cancer in cats and originates in a lymphocyte, either from the blood, from the marrow bone, lymph nodes or lymphoid tissues. It appears anywhere or in several at once and can be caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus or the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: this type of cancer affects the dermis and, at first, often goes unnoticed, being mistaken for a Wound that doesn't heal. It usually affects the nose or ears and does not usually spread throughout the body forming metastases.
- Breast carcinoma: usually seen in unneutered females, although spayed females and males can also suffer from it. Nodules and swelling are observed in one or several mammary glands.
- Intestinal adenocarcinoma: affect the large and small intestine, invading the intestine extensively and rapidly, causing the animal to lose appetite, lose weight, and suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Soft tissue sarcoma: Also known as fibrosarcoma, this type of cancer forms in fibroblasts, usually under the skin. Firm nodules that increase in size are observed.
- Osteosarcoma: this type of cancer affects the bones and it is common for the cat suffering from it to show obvious signs of pain, difficulty to walk or have fractures.
- Mastocytoma: originates from mast cells, cells found throughout the body. It can present as a single mass or as multiple nodules, sometimes accompanied by an ulcer.
Cancer symptoms in cats
As you may have seen, there are many different types of cancer, which in turn can affect various tissues of the body, which causes the signs of cancer in cats to be very varied among themselves and difficult to recognize. In addition, initially, cancer develops slowly, causing symptoms shared with common ailments, which make it difficult to detect early. We can also add that the most affected cats are usually those of advanced age
The most frequent symptoms of cancer in cats are
- Lump Appearance
- Unusual bleeding
- Wounds that won't heal
- Wound ulceration
- Halitosis
- Difficulty eating
- Intermittent or continuous salivation
- Limp
- Snoring and/or coughing
- Snorting breaths
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Abdominal distension
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weightloss
- Depression
If one or more of the aforementioned symptoms appear, it is advisable to immediately go to the vet, since the rapidity in detection of the disease can significantly improve the feline's prognosis.
How is cancer diagnosed in cats?
If you suspect that a cat may have cancer, it is best to go to the veterinary center to perform different diagnostic tests. It is very important to note that the physical examination is not always sufficient to diagnose the disease, which is why the use of various methods is required.
Ultrasonography, blood tests, and/or x-rays are usually done to detect the location and extent of the tumor, but must be confirmed by examination of suspicious tissueTo do this, a biopsy is performed, that is, an extraction of tissue, which will then be analyzed under a microscope. Depending on the type of cancer and its location, more complex tests may be necessary, such as an EKG, MRI, or CT scan.
Treatment of cancer in cats
Although it will depend on various factors, cancer in cats can be treated if it is detected early and the appropriate techniques are carried out. That can significantly lengthen your life expectancy. Even so, it should be noted that not all felines respond positively to treatment and that even in some cases the veterinarian may suggest not treating the animal, when its quality of life is compromised, for example. In any case, it is the specialist who must orient and guide us to make the best decision.
Cancer treatment will vary depending on the type of cancer, the location, the presence or absence of metastases, the economic possibilities of the owner, the quality of life of the feline, the age of the feline or the equipment available to the specialist.
The three types of cancer treatment in cats are
- Surgery: it is the most used method in the presence of cancer and can have different objectives. Our veterinarian will decide if it is advisable to bet on the total elimination of the tumor, the partial elimination of the tumor in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment or the elimination of the tumor with the aim of improving the cat's quality of life. It should be noted that surgery carries risks for the cat and that the use of analgesics and post-operative care may subsequently be necessary.
- Radiotherapy: not all veterinary centers have this method of treatment and it may happen that the specialist refers us to another center. In radiotherapy, external radiation is applied to the tumor, which has the ability to kill tumor cells, but also he althy cells. Several sessions are required, which can extend the treatment from 3 to 5 weeks. The most common side effects are vomiting, nausea, hair loss and skin irritation, which can be controlled with the use of medication.
- Chemotherapy: we currently find a wide variety of anticancer drugs that act by attacking tumor cells, either in the form of pills or injection. Side effects of chemotherapy can include hair loss, bone marrow suppression, or gastrointestinal irritation.
Cats undergoing cancer treatment will need special care to maintain their quality of life. It can be useful to write down the symptoms and the behavior that the feline shows on a daily basis, in order to help the veterinarian to improve the treatment.
Among the care we highlight a quality food, ensuring comfort zones for the feline, the use of pain medication (analgesics), medication to combat secondary infections (antibiotics) and medication for swelling (anti-inflammatories).
