Tumors are a common, abnormal mass that can be found in the body of various animals. Most tumors are benign, but some may turn out to be malignant and result in tumor-related complications. What causes tumors? The root cause of most tumors is unknown, but some experts believe that certain environmental factors and toxins may play a role. If you’re worried about your cat’s tumor, you may want to take a look at how much it has grown and how quickly it has been growing. A good way to do this is by performing a digital rectal exam on your cat. When nothing else seems to work, consult your vet for other treatments or treatments options.
What is a tumor?
A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the body. There are two types of tumors that can occur: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are either not cancerous or grow very slowly. A malignant tumor is cancerous and may potentially spread to other parts of the body.
Types of tumors
Tumors come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are four broad categories of tumors: epithelial tumors, germ cell tumors, malignant mesothelioma, and sarcomas.
Epithelial tumors are typically benign and can be found anywhere in the body including the mouth, nasal cavity, or eyelids. They often appear as white spots that may have a milky or opaque appearance.
Germ cell tumors occur when abnormal cells in the testicles or ovaries develop into cancerous cells that damage other vital organs. Most germ cell tumors are benign but may become malignant if they grow quickly enough.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the protective layer around the lungs called the pleura. This cancer is most often found in older cats and humans who were exposed to asbestos.
Sarcomas are malignant cells that form on certain other types of tissue such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage, bone marrow, fat tissue and blood vessels.
Causes of tumors
There are many causes of tumors, but what causes them could depend on the type. There are many types of tumors, including neoplasms that arise from and oogenesis, tumor that develop from a bone marrow disorder, and tumors that occur in the cells of the body called epithelium.
The presence of tumors may also be related to cancer-causing viruses like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or leukemia-inducing retroviruses (LIRVs). Sometimes a tumor can be caused by an abnormal cell growth process called hyperplasia. Hyperplasia is when normal cells divide more quickly than they should. This is commonly seen in certain areas of the skin, such as the eyelids and feet.
Common treatments for tumors
Tumors can be treated with surgery, chemo, radiation, or immunotherapy. Veterinary surgeons typically remove the tumor, but if it has spread to other parts of the body, then chemotherapy may be necessary. If you’re worried about your cat’s tumor and want to know more about common treatments for tumors in cats, talk to your veterinarian.
How do I know if my cat has a tumor?
If your cat has a tumor, you will likely notice the following signs and symptoms:
• Your cat may be in pain
• Your cat may have a swollen abdomen or belly
• You may see blood or pus on your cat’s fur or skin
• You may see the tumor through the fur on your cat’s body
Fixing A Tumor In Cats Using Digital Rectal Exam
What should I do if my cat’s tumor is not shrinking?
If your cat’s tumor is not shrinking, there may be a number of medical treatments that you can try. Your vet might recommend chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery to shrink the tumor. It is important that you consult with your vet before starting any type of treatment. The next step will depend on what your vet recommends…