Signs of Cancer in Cats and Common Treatments

Blog Summary:

Cancer in cats can be challenging to identify due to their tendency to mask illness and the subtle nature of early warning signs. This blog outlines the key indicators of feline cancer, including new masses, unexplained weight loss, appetite and behavior changes, and respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. It highlights the most common feline cancers: lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, mammary tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas, and discusses how each typically presents and is treated.

The article also details the advanced diagnostic tools available at Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, such as CT scans, ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy, and tissue sampling with pathology review. A collaborative team of oncologists, surgeons, and internal medicine specialists work together to confirm diagnoses and plan tailored treatment strategies.

Treatment options covered include surgical oncology, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with emphasis on maximizing effectiveness while supporting quality of life. Finally, the blog offers guidance for pet owners whose cats may show signs of cancer or who have recently received a diagnosis, encouraging timely veterinary evaluation and referral for specialty care.

Introduction:

Cancer in cats can be difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. Feline companions, renowned for their stoicism, often exhibit subtle or non-specific clinical manifestations that can be readily misattributed to normal aging processes or other less severe medical conditions. At Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn, IL, our dedicated team collaborates seamlessly with primary care veterinarians to facilitate the timely and accurate diagnosis of feline oncologic conditions and to meticulously craft individualized treatment strategies. Should your cherished cat have recently received a cancer diagnosis or been referred for the evaluation of a potential mass or cancer-related syndrome, our specialized oncology team stands ready to provide comprehensive support and expertise.

 

 

Elucidating the Subtle Indicators of Feline Neoplasia

The inherent tendency of cats to conceal illness significantly complicates the early recognition of neoplastic processes. Nevertheless, discerning pet owners and veterinary professionals can identify several patterns and alterations that invariably warrant prompt and thorough investigation.

New Masses and Growths

The emergence of subcutaneous nodules, abnormal swellings, or visibly growing masses necessitates immediate veterinary assessment. While not every palpable lesion is malignant, any discernible change in the size, texture, or behavior of a mass often serves as a critical indicator for further diagnostic evaluation.

Unexplained Weight Loss

A persistent or precipitous decline in body weight, even in the context of a stable or increased caloric intake, frequently signals an underlying metabolic derangement or internal pathology, including insidious neoplastic processes affecting the gastrointestinal tract or other organ systems.

Changes in Appetite and Behavior

Feline patients afflicted with oral cavity tumors may exhibit anorexia, difficulty swallowing, or overt discomfort during chewing. Others may manifest increased reclusiveness, prolonged periods of somnolence, or reluctance to engage in customary activities such as jumping or climbing. These behavioral shifts are often direct reflections of discomfort or progressive systemic illness.

Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Manifestations

Chronic coughing, wheezing, or alterations in respiratory effort may signify the presence of an abnormal growth of tissue affecting the lungs or chest cavity. Similarly, persistent emesis or diarrhea can be indicative of gastrointestinal tract involvement. While these clinical signs can be associated with a multitude of conditions, their sustained presence warrants expeditious veterinary evaluation.

Prevalent Feline Oncologic Diagnoses

At VSC, our veterinary oncologists routinely diagnose and manage a diverse spectrum of feline cancers, each possessing unique biological behaviors, progression patterns, treatment paradigms, and prognostic implications.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma represents one of the most frequently encountered malignancies in the feline species, commonly affecting the gastrointestinal tract, mediastinum, kidneys, or multiple sites. Clinical signs are highly variable, dictated by the anatomical location and stage of the disease, and may include chronic vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy. Systemic chemotherapy is typically the treatment of choice for lymphoma and is generally well-tolerated in feline patients, often leading to significant remission rates.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy often arising in the oral cavity, nasal planum, or skin. Oral SCC can manifest as hypersalivation, oral hemorrhage, or difficulty eating or drinking. Cutaneous lesions, particularly those on sparsely pigmented or sun-exposed areas (e.g., ear tips, nasal planum), warrant evaluation due to their locally invasive nature and potential for metastasis.

Mammary Tumors

While spaying significantly reduces the incidence of mammary neoplasia, when these tumors do occur in cats, they frequently present as firm, irregular masses within the mammary glands. A substantial proportion of feline mammary tumors are malignant and demonstrably benefit from early and aggressive surgical intervention.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas (STS)

Soft tissue sarcomas typically originate in the subcutaneous tissues or connective tissues. Certain variants, such as feline injection-site sarcomas (FISS), exhibit pronounced local aggressiveness and necessitate wide surgical excision, often with adjuvant therapies (i.e. radiation therapy). The precise localization and characterization of these tumors are crucial for effective management.

Diagnostics at Veterinary Specialty Center

Veterinary Specialty Center is meticulously equipped to provide advanced diagnostic imaging, sophisticated pathological analyses, and seamless interdepartmental collaboration to definitively confirm or exclude a cancer diagnosis.

Advanced Imaging Modalities

Our comprehensive in-house capabilities include computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography, and digital radiography. These advanced imaging tools allow for precise localization and characterization of internal masses, as well as meticulous assessment for evidence of metastatic disease. When necessary, our anesthesia and internal medicine specialists collaborate to safely facilitate sedated imaging procedures, ensuring optimal patient comfort and diagnostic yield.

Endoscopic and Minimally Invasive Diagnostics

We employ an array of sophisticated endoscopic instruments, including endoscopes, bronchoscopes, rhinoscopes, and colonoscopes, to permit direct visualization and targeted biopsy of internal structures. These minimally invasive techniques are invaluable for diagnosing neoplasia affecting the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory airways, nasal passages, and urinary system, minimizing patient discomfort and obviating the need for extensive surgical exploration.

Tissue Sampling and Pathological Analysis

To obtain a definitive diagnosis, various tissue sampling methods may be employed, including fine needle aspiration (FNA), core biopsy, and incisional or excisional surgical biopsy. Collected samples undergo rigorous examination by board-certified veterinary pathologists to accurately identify the tumor type, assess its histological grade, and evaluate surgical margins. This precise pathological information is absolutely essential for guiding subsequent therapeutic planning.

Collaborative Case Review

Our distinguished teams of medical, radiation and surgical oncologists, and internal medicine specialists engage in a collaborative case review process to determine the most appropriate and individualized next steps for each patient. We maintain continuous communication with your primary care veterinarian throughout the entire diagnostic journey, ensuring uninterrupted continuity of care.

Advanced Therapeutic Modalities Available

Veterinary Specialty Center offers a comprehensive spectrum of advanced cancer treatments, meticulously tailored to each feline patient’s specific diagnosis, prognostic indicators, and quality of life objectives.

Surgical Oncology

For localized and surgically accessible tumors, oncologic surgery is often the primary therapeutic recommendation to achieve complete tumor extirpation and surrounding tissue removal. Our surgical team comprises board-certified specialists highly experienced in performing intricate oncologic procedures with precision and adherence to oncologic principles.

Feline Chemotherapy Protocols

Chemotherapeutic protocols for feline patients are meticulously designed to maximize efficacy while ensuring optimal tolerability. In the vast majority of cases, side effects are minimal and amenable to management through diligent monitoring and supportive care. Our medical oncology team provides detailed guidance and transparent communication regarding expectations at every stage of the treatment process.

Radiation Therapy

When indicated, radiation therapy serves as a highly effective modality for achieving local tumor control, particularly for inoperable masses or as an adjuvant to surgical resection to enhance local control. Our specialized radiation oncology team expertly designs and implements precise radiation protocols, guiding you through the entire course of treatment.

Proactive Steps for Concerned Pet Owners

If your cat has received a cancer diagnosis or is exhibiting clinical signs that raise suspicion for serious underlying illness, your primary care veterinarian may recommend a referral to a specialty practice for advanced evaluation. At Veterinary Specialty Center, we provide expert second opinions, cutting-edge diagnostics, and compassionate treatment plans designed with paramount consideration for your cat’s comfort and your peace of mind.

Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every subsequent step. To speak with our knowledgeable staff or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (847) 459-7535. We are honored to collaborate with referring veterinarians and to provide exceptional care to the patients entrusted to our expertise.