Breast cancer in cats
Older female pets who have not had their sexes spayed are more likely to develop breast cancer. Hormones are suspected to play a part in breast cancer, however the exact reason is uncertain. A veterinarian should examine any worrisome lump in the breast area as soon as possible.
What is breast cancer?
The unchecked proliferation of aberrant mammary gland (breast) cells is known as breast cancer. Certain forms of breast cancer have the ability to metastasize, or spread, to other breast glands, lymph nodes, the lungs, and other organs across the body if treatment is not received.
Although mammary tumors can affect any pet, older, female cats who have not had their cats spayed are most likely to acquire these masses. In cats, malignant (cancerous) mammary tumors account for 80% to 90% of cases. Siamese cats are more likely than other cat breeds to develop breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer?
The exact causes of breast cancer in cats are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute:
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Hormonal Influence: Cats that are not spayed or were spayed after their first heat cycle have a higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors.
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Genetics: Certain cat breeds, such as Siamese and domestic shorthairs, may be genetically predisposed to mammary gland tumors.
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Age: Older female cats are more susceptible to developing breast cancer.
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Obesity: Overweight cats are at a higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors.
It is unknown what specifically causes mammary gland cancer. Hormones may be involved, though, as cats who are spayed before their first heat cycle have a lower chance of developing breast cancer.
Hormone therapy for other illnesses may make this kind of cancer more likely. Hormones were once utilized to treat many behavioral and skin issues in cats, but this practice has mostly become obsolete.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
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Lump or Mass: A palpable lump or mass in the mammary gland area is the most common sign of breast cancer. Tumors can be single or multiple.
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Swelling or Enlargement: The affected mammary gland may appear swollen or larger than usual.
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Discharge: Discharge, which can be bloody or pus-like, might be present from the affected nipple.
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Pain or Discomfort: Cats may show signs of pain or discomfort when the affected area is touched.
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Changes in Behavior: Cats with breast cancer may exhibit changes in behavior, such as decreased activity or loss of appetite.
Firm nodules in the tissue surrounding the nipples, ulcerated skin, and swollen, inflammatory nipples with or without discharge are all indicators of breast cancer.
You cannot tell if a lump is malignant just by feeling it.Regularly checking your pet is a good idea because any tumor in the mammary area could be malignant.
Breast tumors typically feel under the skin like BB pellets and are firm, nodular lumps. One mammary gland, or the region surrounding one nipple, may contain a single tumor, or many mammary glands may contain tumors simultaneously. There's a chance the skin around the tumor has an infection or ulcers. There may be discharge coming from the nipple itself, as well as swelling or redness.
How will my vet diagnose breast cancer?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian. Diagnosis typically involves:
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Physical Examination: The vet examines the cat, focusing on the mammary gland area and any lumps or abnormalities.
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Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A sample of the lump is collected with a fine needle and examined under a microscope to determine if it's cancerous.
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Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the tumor's type and grade.
A surgical biopsy is the best method for diagnosing breast cancer. It is normally advised to have blood tests and radiographs (x-rays) done to see if the malignant cells have moved to other areas of the body. Your veterinarian may advise a preanaesthetic examination and/or blood work because biopsies typically involve some kind of sedation or anesthesia.
How is breast cancer treated?
Treatment options for feline breast cancer may include:
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Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor(s) is often the primary treatment. Spaying the cat during surgery is recommended to prevent the development of new tumors.
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Chemotherapy: In cases of advanced or aggressive cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended to slow down the tumor's growth and manage symptoms.
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Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can be used to target and shrink tumors, especially if surgery is not an option or if there's a risk of cancer recurrence.
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Palliative Care: In situations where the cancer is too advanced for curative treatment, palliative care focuses on improving the cat's quality of life and managing pain and discomfort.
The best course of treatment is early diagnosis and surgical excision of the masses. Your veterinarian will probably advise blood work and radiographs (x-rays) prior to doing surgery. Abdominal radiographs may provide evidence of enlarged lymph nodes, and chest radiographs are crucial for detecting lung metastases. The pet has a better chance of survival if the radiographs reveal no signs of metastasis.
A radical mastectomy, which involves removing every mammary gland on the same side of the body, is frequently advised due to the high incidence of cancer in cats and the fact that the disease frequently spreads to several mammary glands on the same side of the body. Cats with masses on both sides may require two different procedures spaced a few weeks apart.
Your veterinarian might advise spaying your pet at the time of breast surgery if she still has her uterus and ovaries. The best defense against breast cancer is to spay female pets before the onset of their first heat cycle.
Your veterinarian might suggest chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery. The goal of radiation therapy is to eradicate any possibly malignant cells in a targeted region. Chemotherapy treats malignant cells that may have spread to other areas of the body by using systemic medications.
Can breast cancer be prevented?
Spaying your pet before her first heat cycle is the greatest method to prevent breast cancer. One can even lower their chance of breast cancer by spaying their pet by the age of one year. Later-spayed pets will have an increased chance of developing breast cancer.
Conclusion
Breast cancer in cats is a serious condition, but with early detection and appropriate veterinary care, affected cats can have a good quality of life. Cat owners play a crucial role in their pet's health by observing changes in behavior and physical appearance and seeking prompt medical attention. Through awareness, preventive measures, and timely intervention, cat owners can provide the best possible support for their beloved feline companions, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.
