Different Types Of Cancer In Cats. What You Should Know.
Cancer In Cats What You Need To Know
The words sarcoma, neoplasia or neoplasm and tumor are all used for different types of cancer. Cancer is a dreaded disease, which more often than not, is fatal for the infected. Feline cancer can be as dangerous as cancer in dogs and therefore symptoms of the same need to be monitored regularly.
Monitoring cancer symptoms is not easy since there are various kinds of cancer that can afflict a cat. Constant observation is required to ensure that none of the symptoms that are characteristic of any kind of cancer go unnoticed. Cancer can occur in almost any organ of the body. The most common cancers that have been found to afflict cats are cancerous tumors (solid mass of abnormal cells) and leukemia (blood cancer).
Basal cell tumors can be malignant or benign and start from the epithelial (membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body) layer of the skin. It requires invasive surgery for removal of the tumor and in most cases it usually cures the cat. Basal cell tumors are most common in Siamese cats.
Chondrosarcoma is malignant tumor of cartilage cells. It can occur in the nasal and paranasal passages and nearby concavities or in the larynx and trachea. This type pf cancer is more prevalent in dogs than cats and requires chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery for effective treatment. Tumors in the larynx sometimes require the removal of the entire larynx. A passage is then created through the neck that opens in the trachea.
Cats are also prone to develop tumors on the eyelids although it is less common than in dogs. Outdoor cats, white cats and cats that remain in the sun fall under the high risk category. Eyelid cancer usually originates from the lymphocytes. They can also form into mast cell tumors. Eyelid tumors rub against the cornea and lead to frequent conjunctivitis and excessive eye discharge.
Fibrosarcoma (fibroblastic sarcoma) is a malignant tumor derived from fibrous connective tissue and is characterized by immature multiplication of different types of cells. It affects the connective tissues of the skull, pelvis and ribs. Fibrosarcoma is very rare and different from the commonly known bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
Tumors associated with the ear can be of different types. Some may be malignant while the others can be basal cell tumors also. They are commonly seen in middle aged or older cats.
Hemangiosarcoma is a rare, rapidly growing and highly invading variety of cancer. It is a malignant cancer in which the tumor is filled with blood. This tumor finally ruptures causing the cat to bleed to death. Hemangiosarcoma has mostly been observed in the spleen and the heart but it can also invade the bones.
Hepatic Neoplasia (another name for liver tumor) is actually quite rare in cats. Exposure to carcinogens increases the risk of liver cancer. The symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats usually indicate the prevalence. Some of the signs of liver cancer that you may notice are excessive vomiting, reduced appetite, pale gums, distended stomach, jaundice or breathing disorders.
Skin cancer in felines
Feline cancer is one of the serious conditions that cat owners have to be cautious about. This is a condition that spreads across the body and can be fatal in most cases. Rapid spread of the disease leaves little scope for the treatment to be effective and therefore chances of recovery are low. This process of spreading, called metastasis is one of the primary reasons behind early death from cancer.
Skin is the biggest organ in the body. It is also the most common organ that can develop carcinoma. The name skin cancer is a general classification of different types of tumors that include any uncontrolled growth of cells in:
* The skin. * Skin glands. * Hair follicles. * Supportive fat and connective tissues.
Metastasis that occurs in the skin as a result of cancer in other parts of the body is not termed as skin cancer because it originates elsewhere. Skin cancer in dogs is less likely to be malignant than in cats. Even in cats skin cancer is mostly likely to be seen in older cats between 6 to 14 years of age. The known causes behind skin cancer are:
* Light or white color of the skin. * Excessive exposure to sunlight. * Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). * Genetic.
Skin cancers appear mostly as lumps under the skin or as lesions that do not cure. This often leads to abnormal behaviors like scratching or chewing the affected area. Squamous cell cancer, a type of skin cancer, often leads to redness of the area and a crusty skin.
Detection of skin cancer is relatively easier as compared to other cancers because the symptoms are easily visible. For example, looking for the symptoms of liver cancer in dogs and cats, is a tedious process of keen observation to identify multiple signs.
Regular examination needs to be made of your cat’s skin to be able to notice certain signs like:
* Tumors or lumps under the skin. * Blemishes, scaly areas or change in color. * Progress of above changes noticed earlier. * Color changes and irregular areas in the cat’s eyelids, lips and the mouth’s interior.
An occasional massage and grooming with a fine comb helps in being able to catch the abnormality immediately. Diagnosis involves laboratory examinations of:
* An aspirate of the tumor. * A piece cut off from the tumor. * Blood and urine. * X-Rays to establish if metastasis has occurred.
If your cat is white in color or has a white nose and ears you can minimize the risk by protecting the cat from sunlight. You can also ask your veterinarian about the use of sunscreens on light colored ear tips or patches of white on its coat.
If you notice any of these abnormalities in your pet, make an appointment with your veterinarian and have it checked out. Many times if caught early enough, years can be added to the life of your companion.
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