Mast Cell Tumors in a Cat
- Mast cell tumors form in male and female cats at the same rate. While these tumors affect all cat breeds, they appear in Siamese cats more frequently than other breeds. However, some tumors in Siamese cats retreat with no treatment.
- Although mast cell tumors don't necessarily affect the skin, they regularly appear below it as a round, raised lump. In an article on Vet Surgery Central, veterinary surgeon Daniel A. Degner states that approximately 10 percent of patients with mast cell tumors have more than one lump somewhere on their body. A cat infected with this type of cancer may stop eating, vomit, experience abdominal pain and blood may show up in its stool---a sign of bleeding in the cat's upper intestinal tract.
- Pet Place says it's not yet known what causes mast cell tumors to develop in cats.
- A veterinarian conducts a careful exam of the cat, including a review of its medical history. A biopsy is taken of the tumor as well as any lymph nodes appearing enlarged and sent to a lab for study. A blood test is performed to review the cat's blood count and check for abnormalities. A urine test is sometimes done to identify damage to the kidneys and urinary tract in addition to X-rays of the spleen and liver.
- Depending on the diagnosis, the tumor is usually surgically removed, with the outcome considered good for a complete recovery in most felines. More-aggressive tumors are managed with radiation therapy that attempts to shrink tumors and prevent them from spreading further. Pet Place says chemotherapy treatment is administered in select cases.
