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Type Of Cancer In Cats

DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANCER IN CATS
By Tess Thompson

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.


References:
http://petplace.com/cats/
http://fabcats.org/cancer1.html