Thyroid Carcinoma in Cats

The thyroid gland is commonly described as being similar in shape to a butterfly because it features two lobes of equal proportion on either side of the windpipe (trachea) in the neck. In cats, when cancer occurs it is referred to as thyroid carcinoma. Cats that display the symptoms of thyroid cancer should be seen by a veterinarian for prompt treatment.

  1. Causes

    • According to Veterinarian Arnold Plotnick of ManhattanCats.com, the cause of the majority of cancers that occur are unknown and this applies to feline thyroid carcinoma. It can be expected that exposure to certain cancer causing chemicals, also known as carcinogens, may contribute to the development of thyroid carcinoma. Certain medications, environmental factors, pesticides or even preservatives in various cat foods also may contribute to the development of feline cancers.

    Symptoms

    • In cats, the thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the body's metabolism. When cancer of the thyroid gland occurs, it often results in increased hormone production, or hyperthyroidism. The symptoms that result become quickly apparent as the cat loses weight or appears to be more wildly active when he may have previously been lazy and laid back. Vomiting, panting and palpable lumps also may be present in feline thyroid carcinomas.

    Diagnosis

    • When a cat is brought in with symptoms of hyperthyroidism or feline thyroid carcinoma, she may undergo several different tests. The veterinarian may run blood tests to detect thyroid levels in the blood, along with a urinalysis. Cats specifically will need a pertechnetate scan to determine if the cancer growth is malignant or benign.

    Treatment

    • Cats with thyroid carcinoma have different options depending on the severity of the tumor and the amount the owner is willing to spend. Some cats may receive radiotherapy, while other cats may undergo surgical removal of the tumor or the thyroid glands. Malignant thyroid carcinomas should be addressed quickly and thoroughly, as they tend to spread into local lymph nodes in the neck and then throughout the rest of the body.

    Prognosis

    • Thyroid carcinoma has a varied prognosis. In the event that the cat was not brought into the veterinarian until his situation was dire, he may not survive treatment. Cats with thyroid carcinoma that is promptly identified and treated may survive for upwards of 20 months or more, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.