lymphoma cancer | Feline Lymphoma, the most common cancer in cats

Feline Lymphoma, the most common cancer in cats



Cancer is very common in cats, the lymphoma represents about 30% of all tumors affecting cats. But what is it? How develops lymphoma and can it be treated?

The answers and explanations of the Dr. Noémie Tommasini, veterinarian and Director of ESAV (Graduate School of veterinary help) - Institute Bonaparte:

What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a tumor (i.e. an anarchic proliferation of cells in the body) affecting a certain type of cells called the lymphoid cells. These cells meet in many organs and tissues of the body: the lymph nodes (often called the lymph in common parlance), the spleen, liver, bone marrow, kidney, skin, lungs or nervous system.

Lymphoma is a tumor that is particularly common in the feline species. It is even the most frequent cancer in our feline companions.

Not Lymphoma but lymphomas.
There isn't a single event of lymphoma but many forms according to the organs.
-Mediastinal lymphoma: affecting the lymph nodes located between the lungs, close to the heart. It is the most common form.
-Abdominal digestive lymphoma: located on the digestive system in the belly. It is the second most encountered form.
-Other forms of lymphoma are less common and can touch: the kidneys, the spine or qualify of multicentre as affecting many organs and tissues.

What are the causes of occurrence of lymphoma?
Tumors and cancers are often wrong lived not just by our feline companions diseases but also for us, owners. Indeed, this disease is called plurifactorielle. That is, it cannot identify a single cause of appearance, but many factors.

A tumor and lymphoma is not a contagious disease. It is a dysfunction of a cell type that are many factors of appearances.

First factor, the infection by the virus leucemogene feline, more known under the name of the leukemia virus (its acronym is FeLV, which is the abbreviation of virus leucemogene feline). Indeed, this virus is capable of inducing the growth of tumours.
It could also, but less significantly, that a (IVF, its English abbreviation) feline immunodeficiency virus infection plays a role in the appearance

What symptoms lead feline Lymphoma?

Alas, the lymphomas manifest through symptoms extremely variables. Therefore, it can be complicated for your veterinarian to diagnose this type of cancer. Among the symptoms most frequently encountered:

-Significant fatigue,

-Drop see a total lack of appetite,

-Quick weight loss,

-Difficulty breathing,

-Digestive disorders.

Careful, it comes here just a few examples of symptoms. Only a veterinarian can, after exchanging long with you, reviewing your companion and made different tests, the diagnosis.

Unfortunately prognosis

When the symptoms of lymphoma are reported, the cancer is often very advanced and the prognosis is very dark.

Indeed, in the absence of treatment evolution is fatal within days see the coming weeks.

What exams and tests to diagnose Lymphoma?

Depending on the symptoms and clinical examination of your little feline, the veterinarian will determine further tests to make the diagnosis. Among the exams, are often prescribed:

-FeLV and FIV virus screening tests,

-Haematological blood tests,

-Medical imaging: x-ray, ultrasound.

The diagnosis of certainty is carried out by specialized veterinary laboratory, analyzing samples of diseased tissue in order to show the presence of lymphoid tumour cells.

What treatment for lymphoma?

The choice of treatment of cancer should always be something thoughtful. Indeed, the announcement of the diagnosis and the prognosis is always a shock to the owner. However, have to overcome this shock to make the best decision.

This 'best decision' can be taken only by having a maximum of information. To do this, feel free to ask any questions that you ask your vet. It may be wise to get a second opinion from a deterinaire who specializes in Oncology. For this, talk openly to your veterinarian. He will tell you a dedicated colleague and it will write him a full account.

The treatment of a lymphoma varies according to:

-Its location,

-The degree of invasiveness,

-Of the age of your cat.

-Of its general State at diagnosis.

There are different treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy. The vet will be able to explain treatment options and more importantly what can be expected of them.

Vet myself, I had to bring myself to go with my 13 year old cat a particularly aggressive lymphoma. Even in the difficult trials, be aware that your clinic, veterinarian and veterinary (e) orderly team, is here to listen and answer your questions.