Dec 26, 2024
Cancer in cats comes in many forms, each with unique characteristics and symptoms. Cats are masters of hiding discomfort, so by the time signs appear, the disease may already be advanced. Knowing the most common types helps owners know if something serious is going on with their cats.
Types of Cancer in Cats
There are several types of cancer in cats, with each having different traits and characteristics. Here are the common types of cancer in cats:
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is by far the most common type of cancer in cats, affecting the lymphatic system and organs such as the spleen, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. However, it is commonly observed to be in the gastrointestinal tract. It is often associated with an infection of the feline leukemia virus but can also occur in cats without the virus.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Vomiting and diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Lethargy and lack of interest in activities
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma primarily affects the face, usually with areas around the ears, eyelids, mouth, and lips. Cats with lighter fur are at higher risk due to their susceptibility to UV damage. In the mouth, this cancer can cause significant discomfort and difficulty eating.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sores or ulcers on the skin
Bad breath and difficulty eating
Visible growths or lumps
Excessive drooling or blood in saliva
Weight loss and poor appetite
Mammary Gland Tumors
Mammary gland tumors are most commonly found in unspayed female cats and are often malignant. Since this cancer in cats mostly affects those older than 10 years, early spaying significantly reduces the risk of developing mammary gland tumors.
Symptoms of Mammary Gland Tumors
Lumps or masses near the mammary glands
Swelling or redness around the affected area
Discharge from the nipples
Loss of appetite and lethargy
Fibrosarcoma
Fibrosarcoma develops in connective tissues and often presents as firm, painless masses under the skin. This cancer in cats is super aggressive in the area it starts in but can be slow to progress to other organs. Even after a successful removal surgery, the fibrosarcomas can come back.
Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma
Lumps or bumps under the skin that grow over time
Discomfort or pain
Lethargy and reduced mobility
Weight and appetite loss
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that targets the bones and limbs. This type of cancer in cats affects their mobility, which causes them a lot of pain and discomfort. The cancer eats away at the affected area, which can cause inflammation and fractures over time.
When things get worse, the cancer can spread to other parts of a cat’s body, such as the lymph nodes and chest.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma
Swelling in the limbs or affected bones
Lameness or reluctance to move
Pain when touched or moved
Weight loss and fatigue
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors develop from mast cells, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system. A mast cell tumor develops when these cells rapidly replicate and divide.
This type of cancer in cats can appear anywhere on the skin, typically the head or neck. The symptoms of mast cell tumors will depend on where the affected area is. This means that the symptoms can appear on the skin or be seen through common problems internally.
Symptoms of Mast Cell Tumors
Raised, itchy lumps on the skin
Vomiting or abdominal discomfort
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Blood in the stool
Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that typically affects the blood vessels. While this type of cancer can be observed anywhere on the cat’s body, they are commonly seen in the heart, liver, and spleen. The cancer is super aggressive and can develop rapidly.
Symptoms of Hemangiosarcoma
Rapid breathing
Weakness and lethargy
Difficulty breathing if internal tumors press on the lungs
Pale gums and loss of appetite
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer in cats with several subtypes depending on where the affected area is. This aggressive cancer is commonly known to develop in areas such as the lungs, intestines, eyes, and pancreas. This means that the symptoms will depend on where the cancer manifests.
Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting or diarrhea
Weight loss and lethargy
Decreased appetite
Blood and mucus in the stool
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Transitional cell carcinoma is another type of cancer in cats that primarily affects the lining of the urinary tract system. This cancer is very aggressive in the areas it affects, particularly in the bladder and urethra. As the cancer develops, it can lead to blockages and significant discomfort for your cat.
Symptoms of Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Difficulty urinating or straining to urinate
Blood in the urine
Urinating small amounts unexpectedly
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Melanoma
Melanoma is a tumor that develops in the mouth, eyes, or anywhere on the skin. This means that symptoms will appear depending on where the cancer is present. While melanoma is rare, this type of cancer in cats is aggressive.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Swelling in the mouth or around the jaw
Bad breath and drooling
Difficulty eating or swallowing
Visible tumors or growths in the mouth
Risk Factors and Causes of Cancer in Cats
While the exact cause of cancer is unclear, it’s suspected that a combination of different factors can increase the risk. Here are the common causes of cancer in cats:
Genetic Predisposition
Certain breeds may have a tendency for specific types of cancer. For example, Siamese cats are more prone to mammary gland tumors, while other genetic traits may influence susceptibility to conditions like lymphoma or fibrosarcoma.
Exposure to Carcinogens
Cats can be affected by carcinogens in their environment. Prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke, pesticides, chemicals, and even UV rays can increase the risk of cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and lung cancer.
Viral Infections
Another suspected cause of cancer in cats is viral infections. Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are significant risk factors, especially lymphoma. Vaccination and regular testing can help reduce this risk.
Age
Cancer in cats can develop as they age. As they get older, they accumulate more genetic mutations, which can lead to cancer. Additionally, a cat’s immune system steadily declines, which can make them vulnerable to diseases.
Diet and Obesity
A poor diet and obesity may contribute to certain cancers, as excessive weight can create inflammation and more problems in the body. Feeding your cat a balanced diet while maintaining a good weight is a good preventive measure.
Diagnosing Cancer in Cats
Diagnosing cancer in cats can be challenging, mainly because the signs can overlap with other conditions. When cancer seems to be the main problem, we’ll use a variety of physical exams, tests, and imaging techniques to confirm the cancer in cats.
Physical Examination
The process always begins with a thorough physical examination. Our vets will check for the following:
Lumps or masses under the skin
Signs of pain or swelling in specific areas
Changes in body condition, such as weight loss
Visible abnormalities like sores, growths, or discoloration
Additionally, we’ll also ask for any behavioral changes so we can have more clues on what your cat is experiencing.
Blood Tests
Blood tests provide important clues on your cat’s condition, as well as confirm the presence of cancer. These tests can detect certain abnormalities in red and white blood cells, which can help us diagnose cancer in cats.
Imaging Techniques
Imaging plays a significant part in diagnosing cancer in cats. By giving us another point of view, we are able to assess your cat’s organs and detect the tumor present in the body. X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs all have their own unique purpose in diagnosing cancer in cats, depending on the area.
Biopsy
A definitive way to diagnose cancer in cats is through a biopsy. This is done by collecting a small sample of the cat’s tissue and examining it under a microscope. The biopsy can determine if the cells are cancerous or not. This process is usually low-risk, which is great in itself.
Fine Needle Aspiration
In some cases, our vets may use a fine needle to extract cells from a lump or tumor. This minimally invasive procedure is less comprehensive than a biopsy but can provide valuable initial insights into whether the mass is cancerous.
Treating Cancer in Cats
The treatment of cancer in cats will depend on the location, size, and type. Your cat’s health will also be considered, as the treatment options can be quite intense. Here are the most common treatment options for cancer in cats:
Surgery
Mass removal surgery is often the first line of treatment for localized cancers, such as fibrosarcoma or mammary gland tumors. The goal of surgery is to physically remove the tumor entirely and a margin around the surrounding tissue to prevent or reduce any chances for recurrence.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy makes use of drugs to target and kill cancer cells, particularly those that have spread throughout the body. It’s commonly used for cancers like lymphoma. This may be given orally or through injectable medications, with mild side effects to be expected.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses focused beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It’s often used for tumors that can’t be completely removed by surgery, such as squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth or nasal passages. Side effects are usually localized, such as skin irritation and hair loss.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy boosts the cat’s immune system, helping it fight the cancer cells more effectively. While the treatment is relatively new in the field of veterinary medicine, it’s a much safer way, especially if it’s developed even more in the future.
Palliative Care
For complicated cancers in cats that cannot be cured, palliative care focuses on managing the pain and providing a better life as much as possible. This includes medications such as anti-nausea drugs, pain relief medicines, and supplements.
Conclusion
Each type of cancer in cats has its own traits and symptoms, each bringing worry and concern to all cat owners. Because cancer is a serious condition, understanding the common types can help us know what to do to help our best friend.