Mammary Carcinoma in Cats

Mammary carcinoma or cancer occurs when cells within the milk-producing glands of a cat begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. The disease occurs in approximately 1 out of every 4,000 cats, reports PetEducation.com.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Mammary carcinoma is more common in female cats, the Siamaese breed and in cats that received progestin hormones for the treatment of behavioral disorders, reports Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

    Time Frame

    • The average age for cats to develop mammary carcinoma is 14, though in Siamese cats, the average age is 9, explains Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptom of mammary cancer in cats is a lump or nodule on the underbelly. In about 25 percent of cats, an ulcer or sore develops on the cat's skin above the lump, explains PetEducation.com.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for mammary carcinoma in cats typically involves surgery to remove the tumor followed by chemotherapy, or the use of prescription medication to kill cancer cells.

    Prognosis

    • Most cats with mammary carcinoma die within one year, reports PetEducation.com. If the cancer is caught early, cats may live as long as two to three years in rare cases.