Small Cell Lymphoma in Cats

Lymphoma in cats originates in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell found in both your cat's blood and lymphatic fluids. These cells are found all over the body, and they're prone to becoming cancerous. Small cell lymphoma is common in cats and usually affects the digestive tract. It's one of the easiest feline cancers to treat.

Small Cell Lymphoma Explained

Feline lymphoma develops in the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that circulates throughout your cat's body in both the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. These cells reproduce often, and this makes them more likely to mutate into cancer.

There are two types of feline lymphoma, large cell and small cell. Large cell lymphoma occurs when the lymphocytes become so mutated that their shapes are no longer recognizable. Small cell lymphoma occurs when the cancerous cells retain their original shape. Large cell lymphoma is quite aggressive, but small cell lymphoma is a milder cancer and much easier to treat.

Small cell lymphoma usually occurs in the digestive tract, and can be local, in the form of one or more tumors, or diffuse, as a general thickening of the intestinal wall.

Symptoms of Small Cell Lymphoma in Cats

Small cell lymphoma can occur anywhere in the body, and the symptoms will be different depending on where the cancer takes hold. Most of the time, small cell lymphoma occurs in the digestive tract, and prognosis varies depending on where the tumor is and whether it's localized or has already spread. Symptoms of feline small cell lymphoma include:

  • Lowered appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

Small cell lymphoma can occur as tumors or as a thickening of the intestine. Cats aged six to nine years are most likely to develop this type of cancer.

Diagnosing Small Cell Lymphoma in Cats

Your vet will make a diagnosis of small cell lymphoma based on X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests. If X-rays reveal the presence of tumors, your vet will perform a biopsy to determine whether the tumors are malignant or benign.

Treating Small Cell Lymphoma

Small cell lymphoma is one of the easiest feline cancers to treat. Chemotherapy is a very effective treatment for this type of cancer.

Your cat may suffer some side effects while undergoing chemotherapy. Your cat's immune response may fall, so that he's vulnerable to contracting dangerous infections. Your cat will need blood tests prior to his chemotherapy treatments to make sure that his white cell counts are high enough to withstand this effect of the drugs.

Your cat may experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. He may lose his appetite. You should encourage him to eat as much as possible, perhaps by tempting him with his favorite foods. He needs his strength during chemotherapy.

Prognosis for Feline Small Cell Lymphoma

Small cell lymphoma in cats carries a good prognosis. The disease responds well to chemotherapy and the cancer is not very aggressive. Many cats survive for longer than a year following treatment for small cell lymphoma.

 

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