Feline lymphoma is a ravaging cancerous condition often found in cats. It affects the lymphatic system, producing excessive lymphocytes and localizing mostly in the intestinal tract presenting with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. As you read on, you will have a better understanding of feline lymphoma, its forms, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
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Content:
- Understanding Feline Lymphoma
- Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
- Prognosis, Treatment, and Life Expectancy
- Conclusion
Understanding Feline Lymphoma
The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels and lymphocytes. All of which contribute to the function of the lymphatic system, which includes purification of foreign materials and circulation of lymph fluid.
The lymph fluid contains proteins, white blood cells, fat and waste. The lymphocytes are major cells contributing to these functions, they produce antibiotics and fight disease conditions. When these cells malfunction, they may become cancerous.
Cancerous lymphocytes go through metastasis, which involves abnormal growth and excessive divisions. They multiply and lead to ruptured lymph nodes and lymphoma.
“Lymphoma is the most diagnosed type of cancer in cats, and it’s usually found in the gastrointestinal tract”, - Dr. Angela Taylor
When lymphoma occurs, they present with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, which can easily be detected with the Petcube Camera when placed in a strategic place in the house.
Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Lymphoma can spread to any part of the body and cause tissue damage. According to some cytology and histopathological analysis, abdominal lymphoma is most prevalent in over 50% of cases of lymphoma reported in cats.
Below are some of the major types of lymphoma found in cats:
Abdominal Lymphoma
This type of lymphoma is localized in the abdominal cavity, especially the intestines. Here, it causes various damage to the intestinal tissue, lymph nodes and dysfunctions in abdominal functions.
Nasopharyngeal Lymphoma
This lymphoma may originate from the nasopharynx and spread to surrounding tissues accessible to it such as the nasal cavity and the upper respiratory tract.
Infiltrating Peripheral Lymphoma
When lymphoma spreads to the peripheral tissues such as the skin and neurons or surrounding organs, they are called infiltrating peripheral lymphoma.
Thoracic Lymphoma
This occurs in the thoracic cavity and affects tissues of the heart and lungs. This is not very common but could be fatal due to the types of organs affected.
Mixed Lymphomas
Oftentimes, more than one type of lymphoma can be reported in one case and this may include other rare types of lymphomas affecting the larynx, CNS, eyes, and blood.
Symptoms of Lymphoma in Cats
Cats with lymphoma are usually presented with non-specific symptoms. Which means, these symptoms are not diagnostic but could add up to a definite diagnosis when proper tests and examinations are carried out.
They include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Respiratory distress
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Enlarged lymph nodes
“My cat was diagnosed with lymphoma after we noticed a sharp drop in weight and blood in her stool”, - Reddit User
I have personally witnessed feline lymphoma cases presented at the clinic with most presenting with symptoms related to the intestinal tract.
However, these symptoms alone can not diagnose lymphoma in cats. To diagnose lymphoma, a full blood work will be done at the vet, alongside a surgical biopsy and fine needle aspirate test which isolates cells from affected regions or organs. These cells are further examined microscopically to identify cancerous cells.
Prognosis, Treatment, and Life Expectancy
Prognosis of feline lymphoma depends on the stage, type of lymphoma and its location. Research indicates that cats with abdominal lymphoma have a poorer prognosis compared to other types.
Treating lymphoma or any other type of cancer is rigorous due to the metastatic nature of cancerous cells. Chemotherapy is usually a recommended option for cancer cases alongside other medications like painkillers and antibiotics, depending on the presenting clinical symptoms.
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The life expectancy of cats living with lymphoma ranges from 6 months to 2 years depending on the stage and type of lymphoma. Cats with lymphoma at the benign stage would have a better life expectancy than cats with chronic stages of lymphoma.
Conclusion
Feline lymphoma is a delicate form of cancer in cats due to its preference for the digestive system. It impedes digestion and affects intestinal organs, leading to loss of weight, vomiting and diarrhea. If diagnosed on time, lymphoma in cats could be managed and cats with lymphoma could live up to two years with chemotherapy.
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