Home » Cats » Diseases » Diseases by Organ/Body System » Cancer/Tumors
| Advanced Search Feline: Cancer/Tumors
Tumors grow when cells "go wrong." Sometimes a virus is the inciting agent, sometimes it might be a chemical or environmental factor, or even a combination of exposures. Tumors can be benign or malignant depending on how "out of control" their growth becomes. We have a growing list of common tumor types and topics to help a pet owner understand their options.
* Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance. Amputation A letter from a veterinarian points out that amputation is far better than continued pain or euthanasia. Boobies for newbies: Mammary (breast) cancer in companion animals But it still seems to shock people to learn that dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and a host of other domestic species can get breast cancer, too. Since the aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness, our aim here is to wave the flag for those who can’t speak for themselves and raise awareness of mammary cancer in companion animals. We also want people to know that breast cancer and mammary gland cancer are the same disease; it’s just called by a different name in other species. Epulis Epulis is the fourth most common tumor found in the canine mouth. There are three types. FAQ: Oral Masses/Ulcers Some dogs and cats develop growths in their mouths. Similar to humans, these growths may be benign or malignant. Once a mass is noticed, analysis must be made to determine the cause of the growth. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population. Insulinoma Unfortunately, most insulinomas in dogs and cats are malignant. This is bad news but the good news is that regardless of this fact, surgery is still helpful as the bulk of the tumor (if not all of it) can be removed. Liver Tumors and Cancers After blood testing and medical imaging has led to a diagnosis of liver tumor, many questions must be answered in order to make proper choices. Lymphoma This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. A plentitude of information is available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. Lymphoma Nutritional Therapy Obviously it is important for a cancer patient to maintain appetite. A good appetite and enjoyment of food is one of the four criteria of life quality that are considered when deciding on euthanasia. Beyond maintaining body condition and getting proper nutrients, however, there are actual nutrients and nutritional strategies that have anti-cancer properties. Lymphoma in Cats Lymphoma accounts for one third of all cancers developed by cats. When the mediastinal lymph nodes become infiltrated with lymphoma, a mass is apparent in the mediastinum and a cancerous fluid fills the chest, restricting breathing. The fluid can be tapped but it will be back without treatment. Malignant Melanoma In pets, the malignant melanoma patient is usually canine although the iris melanoma of the feline eye is also a well-described condition. Recently new treatments have come to light. Malignant Thyroid Tumors (Thyroid Carcinoma) In dogs, there is an 87% chance that a thyroid growth is malignant. Cats with thyroid carcinomas are usually hyperthyroid. Mammary Cancer in Cats In cats with mammary tumors, approximately 90% are malignant with rapid spread to adjacent glands and the nearest set of lymph nodes. Meningioma Meningioma is the most common brain tumor of cats and dogs. Meningiomas are generally benign. In dogs, seizures are the most common sign. In cats, signs are more vague and consist of listlessness and behavior changes. Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells that become cancerous are known as myeloma cells. Naso-Pharyngeal (Nasal Pharyngeal) Polyps in Cats Naso-pharyngeal polyps are the most common masses that are seen in the external ear canal in cats. They are benign growths. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma The oral squamous cell carcinoma does not spread as you normally think of a cancer spreading, but it's so locally invasive that it carries a poor prognosis. The only hope of good survival comes from early detection. Learn what to look for and what important risk factors are. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Feline) The squamous cell carcinoma is not only the most common oral malignancy in cats, it has one of the poorest outcomes. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oral SCC) When squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the mouth and throat, it’s called oral squamous cell carcinoma. In these oral cases, the lesion is usually located on the gums or tonsils. Transitional Cell Carcinoma The transitional cell carcinoma is a particularly unpleasant tumor of the urinary bladder that usually grows in the lower neck of the bladder, causing a partial or complete obstruction to urination. Bloody urine and straining to urinate are typically the signs noted by the owner. Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcoma Fibrosarcomas have been recognized for a very long time as difficult, deeply rooted tumors of cats. What has only recently been recognized is the potential for vaccination to lead to the formation of these tumors.
| Advanced Search Feline: Cancer/Tumors
Tumors grow when cells "go wrong." Sometimes a virus is the inciting agent, sometimes it might be a chemical or environmental factor, or even a combination of exposures. Tumors can be benign or malignant depending on how "out of control" their growth becomes. We have a growing list of common tumor types and topics to help a pet owner understand their options.
* Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) This condition represents a classical excess in cortisone-type hormone circulation in the body. Both cats and dogs can be affected (though it is primarily a dog's disease) and the onset is insidious. We have assembled an information center to answer all your questions on this relatively common hormone imbalance. Amputation A letter from a veterinarian points out that amputation is far better than continued pain or euthanasia. Boobies for newbies: Mammary (breast) cancer in companion animals But it still seems to shock people to learn that dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and a host of other domestic species can get breast cancer, too. Since the aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to raise awareness, our aim here is to wave the flag for those who can’t speak for themselves and raise awareness of mammary cancer in companion animals. We also want people to know that breast cancer and mammary gland cancer are the same disease; it’s just called by a different name in other species. Epulis Epulis is the fourth most common tumor found in the canine mouth. There are three types. FAQ: Oral Masses/Ulcers Some dogs and cats develop growths in their mouths. Similar to humans, these growths may be benign or malignant. Once a mass is noticed, analysis must be made to determine the cause of the growth. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Feline leukemia virus, a retrovirus, is a common infection of cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other organism and is widespread in the cat population. Insulinoma Unfortunately, most insulinomas in dogs and cats are malignant. This is bad news but the good news is that regardless of this fact, surgery is still helpful as the bulk of the tumor (if not all of it) can be removed. Liver Tumors and Cancers After blood testing and medical imaging has led to a diagnosis of liver tumor, many questions must be answered in order to make proper choices. Lymphoma This form of cancer, also called lymphosarcoma, is the most common malignancy of dogs, cats, and humans. A plentitude of information is available, information that is necessary in order to make intelligent decisions about an affected pet. Lymphoma Nutritional Therapy Obviously it is important for a cancer patient to maintain appetite. A good appetite and enjoyment of food is one of the four criteria of life quality that are considered when deciding on euthanasia. Beyond maintaining body condition and getting proper nutrients, however, there are actual nutrients and nutritional strategies that have anti-cancer properties. Lymphoma in Cats Lymphoma accounts for one third of all cancers developed by cats. When the mediastinal lymph nodes become infiltrated with lymphoma, a mass is apparent in the mediastinum and a cancerous fluid fills the chest, restricting breathing. The fluid can be tapped but it will be back without treatment. Malignant Melanoma In pets, the malignant melanoma patient is usually canine although the iris melanoma of the feline eye is also a well-described condition. Recently new treatments have come to light. Malignant Thyroid Tumors (Thyroid Carcinoma) In dogs, there is an 87% chance that a thyroid growth is malignant. Cats with thyroid carcinomas are usually hyperthyroid. Mammary Cancer in Cats In cats with mammary tumors, approximately 90% are malignant with rapid spread to adjacent glands and the nearest set of lymph nodes. Meningioma Meningioma is the most common brain tumor of cats and dogs. Meningiomas are generally benign. In dogs, seizures are the most common sign. In cats, signs are more vague and consist of listlessness and behavior changes. Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells. Plasma cells that become cancerous are known as myeloma cells. Naso-Pharyngeal (Nasal Pharyngeal) Polyps in Cats Naso-pharyngeal polyps are the most common masses that are seen in the external ear canal in cats. They are benign growths. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma The oral squamous cell carcinoma does not spread as you normally think of a cancer spreading, but it's so locally invasive that it carries a poor prognosis. The only hope of good survival comes from early detection. Learn what to look for and what important risk factors are. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Feline) The squamous cell carcinoma is not only the most common oral malignancy in cats, it has one of the poorest outcomes. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oral SCC) When squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the mouth and throat, it’s called oral squamous cell carcinoma. In these oral cases, the lesion is usually located on the gums or tonsils. Transitional Cell Carcinoma The transitional cell carcinoma is a particularly unpleasant tumor of the urinary bladder that usually grows in the lower neck of the bladder, causing a partial or complete obstruction to urination. Bloody urine and straining to urinate are typically the signs noted by the owner. Vaccine Associated Fibrosarcoma Fibrosarcomas have been recognized for a very long time as difficult, deeply rooted tumors of cats. What has only recently been recognized is the potential for vaccination to lead to the formation of these tumors.
