Whenever a pet gets sick, it can be extremely stressful for the entire family. Sadly, all animals are susceptible to illness, and sometimes the diagnosis is serious, like cancer. Fortunately, with advances in veterinary science many cancers can be successfully treated. Early detection is vital, so it is important to be familiar with signs of cancer commonly found in cats, especially because cats can be secretive and hide their feelings, even when they aren’t feeling well.
Most Common Types of Cat Cancers and Symptoms
Cancer is the broad term used to describe the hundreds of different diseases in which abnormal cells grow rapidly in the body and sometimes spread to other parts of the body. Because cancer can start with any organ or tissue, it is often difficult to detect. For cats, however, there are four types of cancer that are most common including:
- Lymphoma (blood cancer)
- Fibrosarcoma (soft tissue cancer)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer)
- Mammary tumors (breast cancer)
While every cancer will have unique symptoms, not every cat will have the same symptoms. Also, it is important to recognize that sometimes the symptoms are more general like changes in eating habits, weight loss or gain, difficulty urinating or defecating and lethargy. However, since cancer is the rapid, uncontrolled growth of cells, tumors or any unusual growths can be a symptom of cancer, particularly if the mass rapidly grows bigger.
Lymphoma
Feline lymphoma cancer is found in blood cells that weaken the immune system. While there are many different types of lymphoma, some cats can have lymphoma in different parts of the body at once because the cancer is systemic and flows through the blood vessels. Feline lymphoma is connected to feline leukemia, and as more cats are vaccinated for feline leukemia, the rates of lymphoma have declined.2 Fortunately, chemotherapy is very effective in treating lymphoma and cats tolerate treatment well with few side effects.3 The most common type of feline lymphoma is in the digestive tract, so symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and loss of appetite.
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma can affect any soft tissue and is typically skin cancer. Sadly, feline fibrosarcoma is usually aggressive, and treatments may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The success rate of treatment varies and depends on many factors. Most cats develop fibrosarcoma at the site of a previous injection or vaccination. There will be a growth or skin mass, but no signs of discomfort or pain. Symptoms of advanced cases include lethargy, dehydration and severe weight loss.6 Early detection and treatment greatly improve the chance of remission.
Oral Cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer among cats and tumors can appear in any part of the cat’s oral cavity including the lining of the mouth, the gums, the tongue and lymph nodes. Common symptoms include lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and excessive drooling.5 Unfortunately, due to limited treatment options, the prognosis is not very good.4 Of course, each case is different, and your veterinarian will provide you with all the options available for your cat.
Mammary Tumors
Mammary tumors, or feline breast cancer is an unusual cancer because age and breed play a role. Mammary tumors are most common in middle-aged or older cats over 10 years old. Also, Siamese cats seem particularly prone to this cancer even at a younger age. The most common symptom of a mammary tumor is one or more firm nodules growing under the skin of the abdomen. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy. The prognosis varies and depends on the size and number of tumors.7
What Causes Cancer in Cats?
Just like cancer in humans, there is not one cause of cancer. Most likely, cancer in pets is due to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. There has not been a lot of research conducted on feline cancer until more recently. Today, veterinarians and pet oncologists have a much stronger understanding of pet cancer and how to treat cancer successfully.
Cancer Treatment For Cats
The best defense against any pet illness is to be aware of changes in your pet’s behavior. After all, you and your family know your pet best, and since pets cannot tell you what is wrong, their behavior may be a sign. Also, be aware of any unusual growths. Often, these growths, or neoplasia, are not cancer at all, but simply harmless abnormal growth of cells that are common in pets, particularly older ones. Non-cancerous growths, or benign neoplasia, tend to grow slowly, so pay particular attention to any mass that grows in size quickly.1 Of course, a prompt visit to the veterinarian is vital to early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Unfortunately, in addition to being stressful, any pet illness can be costly. Make sure to have the best possible protection with an individualized pet insurance plan by Pets Best. Not only will coverage ensure your pet stays healthy, but in the unfortunate event of serious illness, your pet and family can rest assured that the proper medical care can be provided.
References
1 American Veterinary Medical Association. (2008, October). What you should know about cancer in animals. Retrieved from http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/docs/CancerAnEng.pdf
2 Barnette, C. (n.d.). Lymphoma in Cats. Retrieved from VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lymphoma-in-cats
3 Mingus, L. (2019, November 20). Common Cancers in Cats. Retrieved from Colorado State University Cancer Center: https://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/2019/11/20/common-cancers-in-cats/
4 NC State Veterinary Hospital. (n.d.). Medical Oncology: Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Retrieved from NC State Veterinary Hospital: https://cvm.ncsu.edu/nc-state-vet-hospital/small-animal/oncology/feline-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/
5 Pellin, M., & Turek, M. (n.d.). A Review of Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Retrieved from Today's Veterinary Practice: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/feline-oral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/
6 South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care. (n.d.). Feline Fibrosarcoma. Retrieved from South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care: http://www.scvsec.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Feline-Fibrosarcoma.pdf
7 Stoewen, D., & Pinard, C. (n.d.). Mammary Tumors in Cats. Retrieved from VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mammary-tumors-in-cats