Feline carcinoma is a general term for cancers of the skin, or tissues that either line body cavities or cover body organs.
They tend to be very aggressive cancers, and affected cats don’t have a long survival time.
Common spots for these carcinomas are the mouth, or on the nose or ears. They may or may not be fast growing.
Feline carcinoma of the nose and ears is usually associated with sun exposure. It starts as a small crust or sore which doesn’t heal, and grows into an ulcer. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis, and the best treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. Your vet may also recommend radiation to make sure all the tumor cells are killed.
Cats do look a bit unusual with no ears, or part of their nose removed, but it’s a small price to pay to save their life.
The most common cancer in the mouth is the squamous cell carcinoma. It is a nasty tumor which has a poor survival time, with or without treatment.
How long a cat with a carcinoma in the mouth can survive depends on several factors. If the tumor is small when it is diagnosed, it is much easier to completely cut out. It’s also easier to remove a tumor on the tongue or lips, but when the cancer gets into the bone, your cat will need to have the jaw removed. This can make it difficult for your cat to eat.
In spite of prompt treatment, some cats just don’t respond well. If they’re in constant pain, and they can’t eat without discomfort, then they have a worse prognosis, even in the hands of the best veterinarians.
On average, cats with an aggressive feline carcinoma
in the mouth survive only a couple of months, with or without treatment.
If your cat stops eating during or after treatment, it’s usually due to pain, and appetite stimulants aren’t likely to help.
This is a good indicator that it’s time to let your cat go, and euthanasia is the kindest option.
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