Feline tumors appear for many different reasons, and there are several types of feline tumors. They're not all cancerous and not all require treatment. However, for some feline tumors treatment is necessary and early detection is key. Owner's should be familiar of the different kinds of tumors cats can have, so they can recognize symptoms when they occur.
Types of Feline Tumors and Their Symptoms
- Adrenal tumors grow on the adrenal gland and can cause Addison's disease in cats. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal gland can no longer function properly, and too much cortisol is released into your cat's body.
- Bone tumors occur frequently in older cats and may cause limping or stiffness of gait.
- Ceruminous gland tumors manifest as black spots inside your cat's ear; they may or may not need to be removed.
- Kidney tumors are rare and usually a symptom of feline leukemia.
- Lipomas are fatty deposits that appear under your cat's skin or deep within his muscles. These are usually not cancerous, but can grow quite large and may need to be removed.
- Mammary Tumors are the third most commonly occurring tumor in cats. They usually occur between ten and twelve years of age.
- Mast cell tumors occur on and beneath the skin.
Rare Tumors in Felines Can Result From Carcinoma Cancers
Brain and lung cancer is rare for felines, but cats can get them from carcinoma tumors spreading to nearby tissue from other sources of cancer.