Cats can get cancer just like dogs and humans. Sadly, one in five cats will get cancer sometime in their life. Cancer is an uncontrolled division of cells that undergo genetic mutation thus causing cancer to develop. The prevalence of cancer in cats is increasing. The cause of this increase is multifactorial: environment, genetics, breeding, nutrition, certain diseases and age. Advances in veterinary medicine have helped our feline pets to live longer, but as our senior pets live longer, cancer becomes more prevalent.
Let’s talk about the top four cat cancers:
Lymphoma is cancer that arises from lymphocytes or lymphoid tissue. Lymphoid tissue is found in the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen, kidneys, chest and lymph nodes. It can affect cats at any age, but more common in older cats. Cats that are infected with the Feline Leukemia virus have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. The Feline Leukemia Virus vaccine has significantly decreased lymphoma in cats. Cats that go outdoors or are exposed to other cats should be vaccinated against the FELV vaccine annually.
Mammary cancer (breast) can develop in older cats. Breast tumors in cats is about 85% cancerous. If you find a nodule or lump on your cat’s abdominal or chest area, immediately see your veterinarian in Carrollton, TX. Because most of the breast tumors are malignant (cancerous), surgically removing them early has a more favorable prognosis than waiting until it gets large. Because mammary tumors in cats are aggressive, spaying your female cats before their first heat cycle is highly recommended to significantly decrease the risk of developing mammary tumors.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin and oral cancer of cats. This type of cancer usually involves light-colored or unpigmented skin and thinly coated areas of the skin. Although not the only reason, excess sun exposure can increase the risk of developing SCC. While your cat may enjoy sitting by the window sill soaking up the sun for hours, too much sun exposure can increase the risk of SCC. Sun exposure should be in moderation even for your pets. Oral SCC is the most common type of oral cancer in cats. Oral SCC is aggressive and the prognosis is poor, so early detection is the key. If you see a bump or a lesion on the nose, ears, eyelids, or if you sense something is wrong with your cat’s mouth, contact your veterinarian right away.
Fibrosarcoma is a tumor that arises from the fibrous connective tissue. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can be seen as lumps on the trunk, legs, ears and in the oral cavity. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor that requires aggressive surgical removal and may require additional therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. As with other tumors, early detection is the key to a favorable prognosis.
The best way to help fight cancer is early detection. Pet parents can help with early detection at home. When you are petting your pet, feel and look for lumps and bumps. If you notice anything different about your cat (weight loss, decreased appetite, change in activity or gait, change in elimination habits, etc.), take your cat to your veterinarian for a checkup.
Bring your young cat for annual physical exams and bring your senior cats for semi-annual physical exams. Blood tests and urinalysis can aid in early detection of certain cancers so be sure to ask your veterinarian in Carrollton, TX about lab tests. Getting a cancer diagnosis is not the end of your pet. It is important to understand that if your cat has been diagnosed with a certain type of cancer, many cancers can be treated, managed and even cured. I cannot stress the importance of early detection leading to increased survival time and even a possible cure. A veterinary oncologist will manage your cat’s cancer and help your cat live a longer and happier life.
