Tumor in the Head of a Cat

Feline head tumors, or brain tumors, are a mass in the brain. Brain tumors are more common in dogs than they are in cats. When they do occur, they typically affect older cats, according to PetPlace.com. Brain tumors may start in the brain or as a result of a secondary problem, such as malignant growth in the nasal passage, skull or ear cavity. Tumors often start in other areas of the head and spread to the brain.

  1. Common Tumor Locations

    • Brain tumors in cats are commonly found in the membrane that lines the skull. This type of tumor is called meningioma. Although it is generally noncancerous, there is not enough space for the tumor to reside, which can result in brain damage. Glioma tumors are found in the cells of the brain. They are called astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastoma multiforme and ependymomas.

      Tumors also occur in the forebrain, brainstem, cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. According to The Cat Health Guide, "Tumors can range in severity from those that grow slowly to others that are highly malignant (grow quickly)."

      In addition, they may occur as a secondary tumor. According to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, "Secondary tumors represent spread (metastasis) of another tumor to the brain from elsewhere in the body." Tumors that may spread to the brain include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the blood cells), mammary carcinoma and melanoma (skin cancer).

    Symptoms

    • Common symptoms in cats suffering from a brain tumor include depression, change in appetite and water consumption, behavioral changes, pacing, circling, memory loss or appearing to be in pain. Symptoms specific to the type of cancer include weakness on one side of your cat's body, paralysis, head tilt, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, abnormal eye position or eyes that do not move. More serious symptoms may include seizures, partial or complete blindness, or comas.

    Cause and Diagnosis

    • While the cause of brain tumors in cats is unknown it is believed they may have a genetic disposition.

      A biopsy is the only way to diagnose such a tumor. Your veterinarian may be able to determine whether the tumor is cancerous, however, usually this can't be determined until the autopsy.

    Treatment

    • Several treatment options are available. Brain surgery is a high risk procedure and requires the services of a neurosurgeon. It is only performed if the chances of removing the whole tumor is high and collateral damage is avoided. Radiation may be used in conjunction with surgery or alone.

      Chemotherapy also is an option. The Cat Style Guide notes, "Chemotherapy is often not a good option in the brain because ... the blood/brain barrier can keep the chemotherapy agents from getting to the tumor." However, recent advances have improved the treatment and cats seem to tolerate it well.

      Lastly, a treatment option may be to not treat the tumor at all but to focus on relieving the symptoms and keeping the cat comfortable.

    Prognosis

    • Unfortunately, most brain tumors cannot be cured. Proper treatment may prolong the cat's life and improve its quality of life. Prognosis is usually not good if the tumor is large and the symptoms are severe or it is a secondary tumor.

      Treatment plays a large role in prognosis. In many cases, treatment involving radiation can help cats live longer. Tumors of the forebrain have a better prognosis than tumors of the brainstem and cerebellum.