Cancer in the Scent Glands in a Cat

According to MedicineNet.com, the scent glands are another term for the anal glands. Cats use the anal gland to spray and mark his territory. A cat has two pea-sized anal sacs just below and on either side of the anus. While it is difficult for a human to smell the secretion from the anal glands, other cats can. Each cat has a unique smell for identification to other cats.

  1. Adenocarinoma

    • According to the Pet Cancer Center, scent gland cancer, also called adenocarinoma, is rare in cats, but a few cases have appeared. Unfortunately, this is a fast spreading cancer. By the time of the diagnosis, the cancer has metastasized. The tumors usually affect only one of the anal glands, but some pets may have tumors in both. Adenocarinoma makes up only one percent of tumors in cats.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms may vary from cat to cat. According to the Pet Cancer Center, the cat may experience painful bowel movement or constipation. To relieve some of the pain in the anus, a cat may scoot across the floor. If the cancer has affected the calcium levels, the cat may have increased urination, loss of appetite and weight loss. Other signs can include vomiting, muscle weakness and low heart rate. If the cancer has spread to the spine, the cat may have a stilted gait.

    Diagnosis

    • Most diagnoses of scent gland cancer occur during a routine physical. According to the Pet Cancer Center, once the veterinarian feels a tumor, he will order tests. He will also conduct a blood count, as well as a urinalysis. In the urinalysis, the veterinarian will look for an increase in calcium. Once the veterinarian has diagnosed the cat with scent gland cancer, he will do x-rays to ensure that the cancer has not spread. He will also conduct a biopsy on the tumor.

    Treatment

    • Surgical removal of the tumor is the most recommended treatment for scent gland cancer, according to Pet Cancer Center. The cat may need radiation if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, which occurs in 50 percent of adenocarinoma cases. The veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy to ensure complete eradication of the cancer. If the cat had experienced elevated calcium levels, the removal of the tumor will usually take care of that within 24 to 96 hours. However, the veterinarian should regularly test the cat's calcium level to monitor any re-occurrence.

    Prognosis

    • According to the Pet Cancer Center, the prognosis will depend on the severity of the cancer. If caught early, the cat has a better prognosis. However, most diagnoses do not occur until the cancer has spread, which significantly lowers the survival rate.