Fibro Cancer in Cats
Fibro cancer, known as feline fibrosarcoma, is an aggressive form of cancer in cats. It has a high mortality rate and needs immediate treatment after diagnosis. Fibrosarcomas are the most common type of soft-tissue tumors found in cats.
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History
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Linked to the administration of vaccines, feline fibrosarcoma tumors form in response to the inflammation at site of the vaccine.
Time Frame
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According to Dr. Debra Primovic, a veterinarian at the Animal Emergency Clinic of St. Louis, Missouri, the time it takes for a fibrosarcoma to form from the vaccine site can be weeks to years after the injection.
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Effects
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Common symptoms of fibrosarcoma in your cat are a nodule at the injection site, swelling, difficulty eating and swallowing, difficulty walking and unexplained bleeding or discharge.
Surgery
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After confirmed diagnoses of a fibrosarcoma, surgery is performed if cats are in good health. During the surgical removal of the tumor, healthy tissue that surrounds the tumor is also removed to ensure that all cancerous cells are excised.
Treatment Options
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If surgery is not an option for your cat, chemotherapy and radiation can help shrink the size of the tumor, assist in treatment of the cancer if it has spread and help with pain management. Pain medication and if necessary, nausea medication will be prescribed to help keep your cat comfortable.
Considerations
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Feline fibrosarcoma affects a small percentage of cats. It occurs in approximately 0.32 to 2 cases per 10,000 vaccine doses given.
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