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Cat Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Veterinarian Reviewed on April 1, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Cat Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas form in specific areas of a cat’s body. They form in connective tissue such as fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, smooth mussels and skeletal muscles. The areas that are most frequently affected are the cat’s skin and just below the surface of the skin as well. They can be benign or malignant. Each area of the cat’s body that is affected has a different type of tumor. Those in fatty tissue are Cat Liposarcoma, in the fibrous tissue they are fibrosarcoma and so on throughout the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis presents some problems due to the similarity to other tumors. A good history will help determine the type of tumor present. Fine needle aspirations are done to determine if the lump is a cyst, abscess or mast cell tumor. It is not the definitive method of diagnosis. It is recommended that a biopsy be performed before treatment is initiated.

X-rays, blood tests and other studies are also recommended for final diagnosis. There have been instances of hypoglycemia in cats with intestinal sarcomas. MRI and CT are often recommended as well before any surgical procedures are performed. It is important to determine if the cancer has spread to other organs before any surgical procedures are done.

Treatment Options

Controlling local tumors is the primary goal of the veterinarian. These tissues can be very aggressive. Surgery is the usual treatment. Cat Radiation Therapy is used if the entire tumor cannot be removed. The degree of advancement will also help in determining treatment.

Aggressive surgery is preferred due to the ability of the sarcoma to spread to surrounding tissue. Radiation will begin approximately one week after surgery in the hope of preventing an amputation of an affected limb.

Home care

Controlling pain and maintaining adequate nutrition are the responsibility of the cat’s owner. Your vet will prescribe pain medication and it should be given to your cat as instructed by your vet. By preventing your cat from having severe pain, you should observe them for changes in behavior and activity levels. If the pain is not adequately handled, it can interfere with your cat’s healing and recovery. Their quality of life becomes much lower and you will have a more difficult time easing the pain than you will by preventing it.

Diet and Nutrition

Cat Loss of Weight is a common side effect of Cat Cancer. Your cat will not want to eat and so will consequently experience a loss of weight. This can be due to the physical involvement of the tumor or to the pain caused by the tumor. Cancer can also interfere you’re your cat’s metabolism. The treatment of the cancer can also have an effect on the cat’s appetite. Surgery, Cat Cancer Chemotherapy and other therapies can cause pain and other discomforts. By maintaining proper nutrition you can avoid many post operative complications and shorten the healing time of your cat.

During your cat’s course of treatment it is important to confer with the veterinary oncologist. These conferences should include dietary needs and plans. Your cat will need quality protein to enhance healing and carbohydrates to maintain energy, which is the basis for all Cat Cancer Diets. Poor nutrition also interferes with the immune system and with the metabolism. Your ability to comfort your cat is the most important points of their treatment.

Additional Cat Cancer Pages

Cat Cancer | Cat Skin Cancer | Cat Lung Cancer | Cat Pancreatic Cancer | Cat Cancer Prevention | Cat Cancer Diagnosis | Cat Gastric Cancer | Cat Lymphoma Cancer | Cat Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Cat Mouth Cancer | Cat Brain Tumor | Cat Palliative Cancer Care

Read also: Cat Intestinal Cancer
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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