Cat Cancer-a Brief Explanation

For cat owners, there's nothing more terrifying andHowever, even though the warning signs of cancer
distressing than to find out that your beloved felinewill differ with each type of the disease, there are
companion has developed a malignant tumor orcertain symptoms that are common to various forms
tumors. In order to give your cat the best chance toof cancer. These warning signs include weight loss
survive a case of feline cancer, it's important to seekand loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a
treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a basiclack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating,
understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved inan offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.
fighting the disease can help make the process ofDiagnosis
diagnosis and treatment less confusing andA diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an
overwhelming.evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as
What is Cancer?the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since
Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cellsthere are so many different types of feline cancer,
resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This typethere are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that
of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutationsmay be necessary to confirm and identify a particular
are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damagedcase of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may
cells would be destroyed by the animal's immunebe employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and
system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoidCT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of
destruction by the immune system and, therefore,cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will
continue to grow in their unregulated manner. Thesealso need to evaluate the stage of the disease in
cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which canorder to implement an appropriate treatment plan.
either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors areTreatment
the cancerous ones, and they can be veryWhen a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer,
aggressive and dangerous.the necessary treatment plan will depend on a
Types of Cat Cancernumber of different factors, including the type of
There are so many different types of cat cancercancer present and the stage of the disease.
that it's not possible to discuss all of them here.Examples of treatment methods frequently used for
Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts ofvarious forms of cat cancer include surgery,
the feline body; however, there are certain types ofchemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
cat cancer that are more common than others.Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach
These include bladder cancer as well as variousto treatment and is often used in conjunction with
abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys,other treatments. This particular form of therapy
intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia andinvolves using a variety of natural supplements to
malignant skin tumors also affect cats quiteboost the cat's immune system in order to provide
frequently.the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as
Causeswell as to withstand other forms of treatment such
In most cases, it's impossible to identify one or moreas chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat
particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. Thecancer will successfully eradicate the disease but,
potential causes and triggers of this disease areunfortunately, in other cases treatment will only
numerous and encompass both genetic andserve to slow the progress of the cancer.
environmental factors. For example, hereditaryPrevention
defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role inSince the potential contributing factors with respect
the development of cat cancer. Radiation and virusesto the development of cat cancer are so numerous,
such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known toit can be difficult and even impossible to predict and
increase a cat's risk of developing cancer. With soprevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain
many potential triggers and contributing factors, thesteps that pet owners can take to help lower the
cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will oftenchances of their feline friends developing this terrible
remain unknown.disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very
Common Symptomsbeneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting
Since there are so many different forms of catyour cat's overall health with a good diet, a healthy
cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting aliving environment, and natural supplements, you will
particular cat will determine the type of symptomsbe boosting the strength and function of your pet's
and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessiveimmune system. As a result, your feline companion
drooling and trouble with eating could be signs ofwill have a stronger defense against cancer and all
mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty withother feline medical problems and will be more likely
movement could be symptoms of bone cancer.to live a long and healthy life.