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Cat Tumors

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

Cat Tumors

Tumors and Cat Cancer are not synonymous. There are a variety of tumors that cats get that are more a bother than a danger. Fatty tumors pop up on older animals. They feel like a squishy lump and very movable. They should not concern cat parents unless they become so large that they become debilitating for the cat.

Superficial Tumors

The numbers of benign tumors far exceed the number of malignant tumors. Cats get bumps and Cat Lumps everywhere over time. While panic is not good for any situation, careful observation is necessary when you discover a bump or lump on your cat. Your veterinarian may want to perform a needle biopsy to determine if it is benign or malignant. Once the results are in treatment can be discussed with your vet.

Most veterinarians will remove testicular (Cat Testicular Cancer) or mammary tumors (Cat Mammary Cancer) whether or not they are malignant. Testicular cancers require neutering. With the superficial tumors, side effects are minimal and recovery is rapid.

Mammary tumors are generally on the surface, but they are one type that can be either benign or malignant.

Tumors that are internal

Internal tumors are different. Generally not seen until other symptoms arise, they can be malignant and metastasized from other areas of the cats’ body.

If the tumor is in the chest cavity or abdomen, the treatment may be different. When discussing treatment with your vet, discuss complications, your cats general health and age as well as the quality of life after the surgery.

What to watch for:

• External lumps that grow quickly should be examined quickly. Rapid growth is indicative of aggressive tumors.

• Any lumps on the extremities should be seen fairly quickly. Many invasive forms of cancer can start in these areas.

• If the tumor that is superficial feels as though it is attached to something or cannot be wiggled, it’s time to see your vet quickly.

• If the lump is in an area such as joints, anus, mouth or other active areas, they should be removed to assure your cats comfort.

What will your vet do

Along with a complete history and thorough physical, your veterinarian will perform blood tests and urinalysis to see if there are any potential changes from a healthy area. With this they can rule out infections or other ailments that may be treatable with antibiotics. If the blood tests are not within normal limits they may proceed to a needle biopsy. In the case of an internal tumor, there may be a biopsy that requires the opening of the chest or the abdomen.

X-rays of the affected area may be done.

If a tumor such as a Cat Brain Tumor is expected, your vet may recommend and MRI or a CT scan.

What should you do

• If the symptoms your cat has exhibited include Cat Loss of Appetite and Cat Loss of Weight, be sure to keep your cat well nourished with supplementary feedings if necessary.

• If your veterinarian orders pain medication post operatively, give that medication as ordered to prevent your cat from extreme discomfort. This will also prevent your cat trying to reach the area and introduce potential infection.

Whatever the diagnosis, the age of your cat is always a consideration. If you have a senior cat that has been a good friend for many years, your kindness may lead you to prevent further discomfort.

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: Feline Leukemia Virus
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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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