Cancer in cats

Overview

You recently noticed an unusual growth inside your cat's ear. When your veterinarian explains that it is a tumor, you feel a shiver go down your spine. Could your pet have cancer?

Cancer is marked by an abnormal growth of cells that is uaually noticed once it has developed into a mass of tissue known as a tumor. It can affect just about any part or system of a cat's body.  A tumor that spreads into surrounding organs and structures is said to be malignant.  Malignant tumors are typically harder to treat and may require surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation, or some other form of treatment . 

However, not all tumors are serious threats to your pet's health. Those that do not spread to surrounding tissue are called benign tumors. These kinds of tumors are sometimes removed by a veterinarian, as they can still do damage if they rupture, hemorrhage or place pressure on nearby tissues or organs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer vary according to the type of cancer.   Some cats do not exhibit any symptoms at all in the earliest stages and many cats do not appear ill even when the cancer is extremely advanced.

Any of these symptoms might indicate cancer:

• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Abnormal lump or bump, especially if it gets larger or is not freely moveable
• Open sore that doesn't heal
• Difficulty urinating or defecating
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Bloody discharge from the nose or mouth
• Lameness, stiffness
• Lethargic or not willing to move
• Increased hiding
• Decreased interaction with the family
• Change in behavior
• Inappetance or complete anorexia

Causes & prevention

Cancer does not appear to have a single cause, but rather is triggered by a multitude of factors, including genetic, environmental, nutritional, and traumatic causes.  Cancer usually occurs in middle-aged to older animals. Female cats spayed before they reach sexual maturity at 6 to 9 months have much less risk than an intact female of developing mammary cancer. Neutering prevents testicular cancer in males. Regular vaccination protects your cat against feline leukemia, a fatal, painful disease that causes cancer of the white blood cells and lymph system.

Treatment

Your veterinarian may use x-rays, ultrasound, blood tests,or biopsies to determine the nature of your pet's illness. There are many options for the treatment and cure of cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the type of cancer diagnosed.  Cats handle chemotherapy much better than human patients and rarely exhibit the persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of quality of life. 

Most tumors are removed surgically, and checked to be sure the malignant cells on the outer margins of the tumor were completely removed.  Chemotherapy may be indicated at that time as well as radiation therapy.  Treatment decisions are based on the prognosis for the cat's recovery, age and overall health.  Your cat will usually need to see a specialist if chemotherapy and radiation will need to be performed. 

The future

If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, it's not necessarily a death sentence for your pet. Many animals recover completely, especially if the tumor is benign.  If the cancer cannot be cured, he may still be able to live comfortably for many months to years at home with you and your family.  After your cat has gone into remission, work with your veterinarian to monitor your cat's health, so any recurrence of the cancer is caught early.

Resources:

Common signs of Cancer, http://www.zzcat.com/index.htm#signs