Cats & Stomach Tumors

The stomach is a muscular organ that secretes acids and enzymes as part of the process of digestion. There are several types of tumors that can affect a cat's stomach lining. Some of these tumors are benign while others are cancerous and can be fatal. The causes of these tumors can be environmental, dietary, genetic or unknown.

  1. Types

    • According to the website Vet Cancer Care, tumors of the stomach lining (epithelium) include non-cancerous polyps and gastritis. Some stomach tumors are cancerous (malignant) and, without treatment, usually continue to grow, ultimately killing the animal. Cancerous tumors of the stomach spread quickly. Benign stomach tumors are rarer than malignant stomach tumors in cats.

    Symptoms

    • According to the website Pet Place, symptoms of stomach tumors in cats can include: weight loss, diarrhea, protracted vomiting, loss of appetite, change in bladder habits, offensive odor, difficulty eating or swallowing and abdominal enlargement. The most common symptoms are vomiting (sometimes with blood) and weight loss.

    Cause

    • The cause of feline stomach tumors is often unclear. According to Vet Cancer Care, some breeds of cat are more prone to developing benign and cancerous stomach tumors, though the gene responsible has not been identified. Some foods that irritate the stomach lining have been implicated in certain tumors. Current research is investigating the relationship between Helicobacter pylori bacteria and stomach cancer in cats. Helicobacter pylori is an organism associated with stomach cancer in humans.

    Diagnosis

    • According to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, a diagnosis of stomach tumors is made through x-rays, CAT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs and blood work. Once a tumor is found, a tumor biopsy is performed to determine whether the cells are benign or malignant.

    Treatment

    • Usually benign tumors can be surgically removed with minimal recovery time. However, if a tumor is cancerous, surgical removal of the mass is often not enough to prevent the cancerous cells from re-growing another tumor, according to Pet Place. Targeted chemotherapy is the only effective treatment for many malignant tumors, and veterinarians will often consult with pet owners to determine the most cost-effective and humane treatment for critically ill cats.