Cancer in cats is the leading cause of death among older animals. This is due to uncontrolled cell growth, and affects the various types of cells and organs in the body. Cancer initially manifests as a lump or bump in any part of the body. Fast growing in affected cells; stick to the tissue under the skin in that area; and, depending on the tumor, it can spread to other parts of the body. Although cancer accounts for about 32% of deaths in cats over the age of ten, it can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.
Although the cause of cancer in cats is unknown, cat leukemia virus is suspected to be a major contributor. Other factors that allegedly increase cat cancer rates include toxins from the environment, passive smoking, excessive treatments, or licking parts of the body that have been in contact with environmental toxins.
Cancer can be detected early on by observing certain signs and symptoms. Common diagnostic methods include physical examination, x-rays, ultrasound, cytology, blood tests, urine tests, and nuclear scans. Depending on the type of cancer and its developmental level, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy can be used to treat cancer. Although research has been slow for the causes and treatment of cat cancers, there have been advances in radiation therapy, as well as newer and better chemotherapy procedures.
Video Cancer in cats
Signs and symptoms
Cancer in cats can occur in any location or system of the body, and most of the symptoms can be detected externally. While each type of cancer has its own distinctive symptoms, most show their presence by the incidence and the presence of common symptoms are prolonged. Some common symptoms of cancer in cats are:
- Any bumps that change shape or size
- Any wounds that are not healed
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- The bleeding or discharge is not clear from the body
- Loss of appetite
- Chronic weight loss
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Stiffness
- Bad breath
- Hungry hungry.
Lymphoma and lymphoscarcoma
Lymphoma is the most common form of cancer in cats, which is often associated with cat leukemia virus, and accounts for 25 percent of all cases. Feline lymphoma usually attacks the digestive system, causing excessive vomiting and diarrhea. Other common symptoms of lymphoma in cats include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty in breathing.
Lymphomas and lymphosarcoma are common in cats with FeLV infection. It affects the intestines and other lymphatic tissues (generally the abdominal organs). Cats with may be affected by loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and constipation.
Skin tumor
Skin tumors are less common in cats; and although most cats are vulnerable, white cats are particularly susceptible to this type of tumor. The skin tumor manifests as a visible bump on the skin, largely affecting sight, smell, or eating. Benign tumors take several years to develop and are more difficult to detect due to their free movement. The only indicator of a benign tumor is self-trauma, which can be caused by an excessive lick by a cat.
Mammary gland tumor
The mammary gland tumor is the third type of cancer common in older female cats, with the most common symptoms manifesting as a lump in the breast tissue. The tumor is usually hard and nodular, and attaches to the skin above it. The nipple may also appear red and swollen, giving off a yellowish liquid.
Abdominal tumor
Abdominal tumors are one of the rarest forms of cancer in cats, and the most difficult to treat successfully before progressing to an advanced stage. The main symptoms include stomach enlargement, vomiting (often with blood), weight loss due to poor digestion, and weakness.
Maps Cancer in cats
Type of tumor
- Adenomas affect the sebaceous glands especially in the limbs, eyelids and head. They are also commonly found in the ear (and ear canal) of cats and can lead to the development of hyperthyroidism. This adenoma usually appears as a cauliflower, wartlike growth with orange-orange tinge. They can be diagnosed either through physical appearance or biopsy tests.
- Lipomas occur in fatty tissue and are present as fluctuating and soft rounded masses that attach themselves closely to the surrounding tissue (usually to the organ and lining of the body cavity). For this type of tumor, surgical removal is a common treatment option. However, removal is not guaranteed because the tumor sometimes adheres strongly to the muscles and surrounding tissues.
- Myeloproliferative tumors are a type of genetic disorder that is passed on from generation to generation. May affect bone marrow, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Similar symptoms occur in blood clotting disorders, they include weakness, shortness of breath, pale membranes of the muscles and loss of appetite. Treatment options for these tumors include chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation.
- Melanomas are not common in cats but when they are, they manifest as basal cell tumors. These tumors are benign, but strong and arise from the skin surface. They are commonly found around the neck, head, ears, and shoulder areas and can be treated through chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Squamous cell carcinomas invade areas where there is no natural pigmentation (oral cavity, tonsils, lips, nose, eyelids, outer ears, feet, toes and nails), or areas of constant trauma and irritation. They are diagnosed by a biopsy test. Treatment options include: surgery, cryotherapy, hyperthermia, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- Mast cell tumors are the second most common skin tumor in cats. They are usually single nodules in the skin, most commonly in the head and neck; in about a quarter of cats, nodules become ulcers. Many nodules occur in about 20% of cases.
- Osteosarcoma is a tumor that mainly affects joints, bones and lungs. Osteosarcoma can cause swelling, inequality, cough, and difficulty in breathing. Diagnosis done with radiography is usually followed by a biopsy. Treating osteosarcoma treatment involves aggressive surgical interventions that can lead to amputation of affected limbs.
- Fibrosarcomas arise from fibrous tissue just under the skin. They may be present as solitary, irregular mass on the skin. Diagnosis is done through a biopsy evaluation followed by surgical treatment, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing types of cancer, by analyzing the structure of tumors and cancer cells, helps determine the best treatment.
- Physical examination is the most common diagnostic method because usually most tumors can be diagnosed using a physical examination with visual observation and manual palpation.
- X-rays (radiography) are divided by two types: regular film and constrator technique. They are usually used to identify lung tumors, gastrointestinal tract and bladder.
- Ultrasonography is used to visualize internal body structures, and can diagnose internal tumors. It is also a way of looking at internal cysts (which can be tumors) and to see the size and structure of organs.
- Cytology involves taking cells from the affected area, such as the secretions of the mammary glands, nasal secretions, respiratory secretions, bone marrow and lymph nodes. This is usually the method used to rule out a lump that may be an abscess, a cyst, or a granuloma.
- Nuclear scanning is used to look at the liver, thyroid, lung, spleen, kidney and bone.
- Blood tests are resolved through microscopic and biochemical analyzes. They are completed to confirm or discount the alleged cases of feline leukemia or cat immunodeficiency virus. An immunofluorescentcent (IFA) antibody test is available to detect FeLV in the blood of infected cats.
Treatment
Cancer treatment in cats usually consists of diagnosis and tumor observation to determine its type and size, development of treatment plan, related goals on the part of the treatment method, and regular evaluation of the overall health of pets..
- Surgery can be used if the tumor is localized and accessible, with the aim of eliminating all malignant cells before the spread occurs to other areas of the pet. It continues to be the most common choice for cancer treatment in felines.
- Radiation is used to control or cure the cancer provided: targeted tumors fall within the appropriate range for radiation, no radiosensitive organ, and may be meta-size. This can be done either internally through implant (branchytherapy), or externally using radioactive beams (teleotherapy). It destroys cell DNA and ensures reduced reproductive opportunities.
- Chemotherapy breaks down the cell chromosome or tumor, so cell division becomes impossible. It stops the affected cells from reproducing or spreading to other parts of the body. Side effects include bone marrow depression, nausea, hair loss and bleeding, with the main problem being that it does not work effectively against large tumors.
- Immunotherapy works on the premise that many cancers occur because of defects in the immune system of the organism. This confirms that the tumor will be suppressed if the organism's immune system is functioning normally. Instead of using external procedures, it stimulates the animal system itself to fight cancer. A good example of this methodology is the use of anti-monoclonal bodies in triggering the immune system to fight against the attached cells.
Prevention
Prevention of cat cancers mainly depends on the diet and lifestyle of the cat, as well as the ability to detect early signs and symptoms of cancer before progressing to the next stage. If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the cancer has a higher chance of being treated, thereby reducing the likelihood of death. Taking a cat for routine checks to a veterinarian can help recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer early on.
Interaction with other cats
Interactions with other cats with strains or diseases associated with FeLV can be a major risk factor for cats reaching FeLV alone. Therefore, the main factor in prevention is keeping the affected cat in the quarantine from the unaffected cat. Wild cats, or indoor/outdoor cats have been shown to have a greater risk of acquiring FeLV, as they have a greater chance of interacting with other cats. Domestication cats kept inside the home are the most vulnerable to the most vulnerable diseases.
Vaccines
Vaccines help the immune system fight the disease that causes the organism, which is another key to prevention. However, vaccines can also cause tumors if not given properly. The vaccine should be given on the right hind leg to facilitate the process of removal of the tumor. Vaccines given in the neck or between the shoulder blades are most likely to cause tumors and are difficult to remove, which can be fatal in cats. Reducing the amount of vaccinations given to cats can also reduce the risk of developing tumors. Vaccine for cat leukemia virus was made in 1969.
Spay and castrate
Spay and castration have many benefits for cats, including lowering the risk of getting cancer. Preventing male cat makes them less testicular, FeLV, and FIV. Spaying a female cat lowers the risk of breast, ovarian, or cervical cancer, as it prevents them from entering the heat. Female cats should be sterilized before their first heat, because each heat cycle creates a greater risk for breast cancer. Spaying a female cat requires removal of the ovaries and uterus, which will eliminate the possibility of developing cancer in this area.
Sun exposure
The risk of skin cancer increases when the cat is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. White cats, or cats with white faces and ears, should not be allowed out on sunny days. Between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, it is recommended to keep the pet cat indoors, because the sun is at its highest peak between these times. Sun block is also available for cats, which can help prevent skin irritation, and veterinarians should be contacted to find out which brands are suitable and for use in cats.
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Cats that live in smoker households are three times more likely to develop lymphoma. Compared to living in a smoke-free environment, cats exposed to cigarette smoke also have a greater chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma or oral cancer. Cancer is also developed largely because of the cat care habits. As cats lick themselves as they nurse, they increase the likelihood of taking cancer-causing carcinogens that contain toxins that gather in their fur, which are then exposed to their mucous membranes.
Lifestyle
Providing a cat with a healthy lifestyle is probably the key to prevention. Reducing the amount of toxins, including household cleaning products, providing fresh and whole foods, clean and pure water, and reducing indoor pollution can help cats live longer and healthier lives. To reduce susceptibility to diseases, pet cats should be kept in the household for most of their lives to reduce the risk of interacting with other wild cats that can be infected with the disease.
Research
Small animals, like cats, experience a faster rate of cancer development. As a result, they are good preclinical models for understanding processes such as imortalization and its role in promoting cancerous tumors.
See also
- Cancer of the nose in cats and dogs
- Skin cancer in cats and dogs
- Vaccine-associated sarcoma
References
External links
- Cancer of Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment from Pet Education
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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