Pet Cancer Options

Nasal Lymphoma

nasal/extranodal

One of the more treatable feline lymphomas with longest survival data. Presents with nasal discharge, facial deformity, epistaxis.

9 treatments3 emerging

Round Cell

Renal Lymphoma

extranodal (renal)

Represents ~3.6% of feline lymphoma cases. Often bilateral. High risk of CNS dissemination (~40%). Poor overall prognosis.

Multicentric Lymphoma

multicentric

Rare in cats compared to dogs. Peripheral lymphadenopathy is an uncommon presentation of feline lymphoma (contrast with canine where it is the most common). Often associated with FeLV/FIV infection.

Injection-Site Sarcoma (FISS)

locally aggressive, low-moderate metastatic rate

Incidence 1-4 per 10,000 vaccinated cats. Associated with vaccination (rabies, FeLV), long-acting injectables, and microchips. First surgery is the best chance of cure — wide margins critical.

7 treatments1 emerging

Mesenchymal

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

variable

Most common oral malignancy in cats. Extremely aggressive with very poor prognosis. MST untreated 44-60 days. <10% one-year survival with any treatment.

5 treatments1 emerging

StrongModerate

Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Solar-Induced)

variable (T1-T4)

Solar-induced SCC. White or light-pigmented cats predisposed. UV exposure is primary risk factor. Better prognosis than oral SCC. Progression from actinic keratosis to carcinoma in situ to invasive SCC.

5 treatments2 emerging

ModerateStrong

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Non-Nasal)

variable

Second most common skin tumour in cats after mast cell tumour. Solar-induced (UV) aetiology in most cases. Progression from actinic keratosis → carcinoma in situ → invasive SCC. Most commonly affects pinna (ear tips), eyelids, and nasal planum but this entry covers non-nasal cutaneous sites. Predominantly affects white or light-pigmented cats in sun-exposed areas. Outdoor cats at higher risk.

6 treatments3 emerging

Mammary Carcinoma

25.4 per 100,000 female cats per year. Third most common feline cancer (after lymphoma and skin cancer). 85-90% malignant — dramatically different from canine (~50% benign). Most common cancer in cats >10 years of age.

7 treatments2 emerging

Mast Cell Tumour, Cutaneous

~20% of feline skin neoplasms. USUALLY BENIGN in cats (unlike canine). Two subtypes: mastocytic (common, benign) and histiocytic (Siamese-associated, spontaneous regression).

Mast Cell Tumour, Splenic/Visceral

Aggressive presentation. Third most common intestinal tumour in cats. Median age ~10 years (reported in literature). Male sex reported as negative prognostic factor (Evans et al. 2017), consistent with possible male predisposition, though dedicated epidemiological study is lacking.

11 treatments3 emerging

Round Cell

Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma

90% are adenocarcinomas. 75% metastatic at diagnosis. Includes LUNG-DIGIT SYNDROME — a unique feline metastatic pattern where primary pulmonary carcinoma metastasises to the digits. The digit swelling may be the FIRST clinical sign noticed before the lung tumour is discovered. MST 67 days (Goldfinch & Argyle 2012). Diagnostic pathway: any cat with digit swelling → thoracic radiographs. Common in older cats. ENVIRONMENTAL RISK: Second-hand tobacco smoke exposure associated with increased risk (Bertone et al. 2002, PMID 12023141).

5 treatments2 emerging

ModerateIndirect

Thymoma

Thymic epithelial tumour. Paraneoplastic syndromes: myasthenia gravis, exfoliative dermatitis.

Fibrosarcoma (Non-Injection-Site)

Non-injection-site fibrosarcoma in cats. Less common than FISS. Arises spontaneously without vaccination/injection history. Typically occurs on head, limbs, or trunk. Locally invasive with moderate metastatic potential. Distinguished from FISS by location and absence of injection history.

Ceruminous Gland Carcinoma

Ceruminous gland tumours of external ear canal

Basal Cell Tumour

Benign epithelial neoplasm in >90% of cases. Malignant basal cell carcinoma is rare (<10%). Usually solitary, slow-growing.

2 treatments