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Cancer in cats can occur in any location or body system, [3] and most symptoms can be detected externally. [2] While each type of cancer has its own distinctive symptoms, most indicate their presence by the occurrence and the prolonged presence of any common symptom. [1] Some of the general symptoms of cancer in cats are: [3]
Some of the most common precancerous conditions include certain colon polyps, which can progress into colon cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, which can progress into multiple myeloma or myelodysplastic syndrome. [4] and cervical dysplasia, which can progress into cervical cancer. [5]
If you notice any of the following potential cancer warning signs, it's a good idea to talk to your vet. 11 warning signs of cancer in cats that every owner should know Skip to main content
The symptoms depend on the tumor's location and degree of invasion. For example, tumors in the gastrointestinal tract may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Tumors in the mouth may cause bad breath, difficulty swallowing, or lack of appetite. Tumors arising in the peripheral nerves may cause pain, lameness, or neurological symptoms.
Affected individuals have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, precancerous colon polyps and an increased risk of several additional cancers. About 1–2 percent of the population possess a mutated copy of the MUTYH gene, and less than 1 percent of people have the MUTYH-associated polyposis syndrome.
The average age at which intestinal tumors are diagnosed ranges between 10–12 years for cats and 6 to 9 years for dogs. There are many different types of intestinal tumors, including lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, mast cell tumor, and leiomyosarcoma.
One study showed that cats with radical (extensive) initial surgery had a median time to recurrence of 325 days versus 79 days for cats with marginal initial excision. [3] The expression of a mutated form of p53 , a tumor suppressor gene , is found commonly in VAS and indicates a poorer prognosis.
The countless polyps in the colon predispose to the development of colon cancer; if the colon is not removed, the chance of colon cancer is considered to be very significant. Polyps may also grow in the stomach, duodenum, spleen, kidneys, liver, mesentery, and small bowel. In a small number of cases, polyps have also appeared in the cerebellum.