Feline Skin Cancer Treatments
Cancer strikes not just human beings, but also companion animals such as dogs and cats. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in felines and can be easily detected so it can be quickly diagnosed and treated.
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Facts
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Cats are at a higher risk than dogs of contracting skin cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer found among felines. The majority of skin tumors found are not malignant. Most forms of skin cancer are found in older cats over the age of 10, but one type is specifically associated with younger cats.
Causes
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Excessive sun exposure has been shown to cause skin cancer. Cats with light or white skin tend to be more prone to tumors than other cats, especially if they have sun exposure. Some felines are genetically pre-disposed to skin cancer, while others will get it in association with diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (or FIV).
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Symptoms
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Most of the symptoms of skin cancer in cats are very visible and easily detected. Lumps under the skin that continually grow, sometimes quickly, are one of the most common. Other skin-related signs include lesions, redness and crusty areas on the skin. Discoloration of the skin of the eyelids, lips, and mouth can also be signs of skin cancer.
Diagnostics
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While symptoms of skin cancer can be obvious, your cat must go through a series of diagnostic tests in order to determine if they do in fact have tumors and if those tumors are malignant. Tests run by a veterinarian may include a biopsy to evaluate tissue from a tumor, a urinalysis, a complete blood count and even a series of chest X-rays to see if the cancer has spread to organs of the body such as the lungs.
Treatments
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Treatment for feline skin cancer is dependent on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. If the tumor can be cut away without compromising other tissues, it may be surgically removed. This form of treatment is only effective, of course, if the cancer has not spread. Radiation therapy is effective against some tumors, while chemotherapy works against others. Small tumors can be removed by freezing them and the surrounding tissues, which is called cryosurgery.
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