Benign Larynx Tumor in Cats

Benign tumors in the larynx, which is the voice box in the throat, are rare in cats, but when they do occur, your cat may need to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. The severity of the problem depends on where on the larynx the tumor is found and how large and fast-growing it is. It is best to have a veterinarian monitoring the cat's condition if surgery is not initially performed on the cat.

  1. Benign

    • The good news is that a benign tumor does not metastasize, which means it won't spread to other parts of the body like most cancers. Benign tumors also are not as invasive to surrounding tissue and tend to grow slowly if at all. Benign tumors can still grow and cause problems and can even be life-threatening if they are not treated properly.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms for a tumor in the larynx will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. It can cause hoarseness or even restrict the cat's breathing, which in turn can cause coughing, sneezing and wheezing sounds. The tumor could also cause a lump that can be felt by palpating the neck.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian will examine the cat's larynx using a laryngoscope, which is a tube with a camera on the end of it that is inserted into the cat's mouth and throat while it is lightly sedated. If a tumor is discovered, the vet will take a biopsy to make sure it is not malignant. The vet will also usually test the cat's blood and urine to check for other problems, such as cancer or thyroid problems. The vet may also recommend taking a chest X-ray to make sure it isn't cancer that has spread to the lungs.

    Treatment

    • The vet will usually recommend surgery to remove all or most of a benign tumor of the larynx. The cat will be placed under general anesthesia and it may lose its voice depending on the size and location of the tumor. After surgery, the cat is usually expected to live a normal life other than any damage done to its voice. If the tumor could not be completely removed, there is a slight chance that it will return and require future surgery.

    Oncocytoma

    • An oncocytoma is a type of benign tumor made up of special cells called oncocytes, which is often found in the larynx. It involves cells from endocrine glands and epithelium, which is the tissue that lines the cavities in the body. It can be found anywhere in the body where there are endocrine glands and epithelium, but it is most often found in the larynx.