Lymphoma in Felines

Feline lymphoma is a condition that affects a cat's lymphocytes, which are a specific type of white blood cell. The cells become cancerous, producing tumors in the animal's lymph nodes. There are four different types of lymphoma, characterized by their location in the cat's body.

  1. Types

    • Mediastinal lymphoma affects the lungs, alimentary lymphoma affects the intestines or gastrointestinal tract, and multicentric lymphoma refers to tumors found in numerous places such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow. Extranodal lymphoma is characterized by tumors on the skin, kidneys or nasal cavity.

    Risk Factors

    • No specific breed, gender or age factors indicate an increased risk of developing feline lymphoma. However, cats with feline leukemia virus are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of lymphoma will usually correspond with the location of the tumors. Weight loss, respiratory problems and loss of appetite are common symptoms.

    Diagnosis

    • To diagnose feline lymphoma, a physical exam is performed to check for lymph node swelling. Ultrasounds will reveal tumors on internal organs, and a biopsy of tumorous tissue is done.

    Treatment

    • Chemotherapy is usually the first line of treatment for feline lymphoma, although an easily-accessed tumor may be removed surgically.