Skin cancer is a representative name for several types of skin cancer lesions. In cats, the most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and mast cell tumor.
These cancers can appear on a cat’s skin in several forms: ulcers, crusts, lumps, lesions, or bumps. Therefore, you’ll need to pay attention to any unusual lump or bump that appears on your cat’s skin and take them to the vet as soon as possible when one occurs.
In this article, you will learn what skin cancer is in cats, its causes and clinical signs, how you can care for a cat with skin cancer, and more.
Click to skip ahead:
- Skin Cancer in Cats Overview
- The Signs
- The Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Care Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Skin Cancer in Cats?
Skin cancer occurs when healthy skin cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors. Normally, when skin cells age and die, new cells are formed to replace them. When this process doesn’t work as it should, cells multiply faster. These cells can be non-cancerous (benign), which means they do not spread to other tissues and organs, or they can be cancerous (malignant), which means they can spread.
- Lipoma (tumor of adipose/fatty tissue)
- Adenomas
- Cysts
- Squamous cell carcinoma in situ
- Basal cell tumors (the most common type found in cats)
- Melanoma (some can be malignant) 1
- Mast cell tumors
- Soft tissue sarcoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Malignant fibrous histiocytomas
Benign tumors are generally harmless compared to cancerous ones 2. That said, they can develop in areas that can hinder your cat’s ability to function normally, with removal surgery being necessary. For example, if your cat has a large lipoma on one of their limbs, it can interfere with walking, creating discomfort.
Only fine needle aspiration or biopsy can differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. For this reason, it is vital to take your cat to the vet when the first clinical signs occur.
What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer in Cats?
For the most part, skin tumors present as changes at the level of the skin in various areas of the body.
- Lumps
- Bumps
- Red areas
- Crusts
- Sores
- Scabs
- Hyperpigmentation
- Ulcerated lesions
- Lesions that have hardened, irregular edges
Although skin cancer does not usually cause itching, since the lesions are something out of the ordinary for them, cats may scratch and lick intensely until they cause open wounds and lose their hair.
In the early stages, skin tumors cannot be seen because they are hidden in the cat’s fur. As they grow, they may become visible. To ensure that your cat’s skin is healthy, pet and brush them regularly. This way, you will feel if any changes have occurred on your cat’s skin.
What Are the Causes of Skin Cancer in Cats?
Skin cancer in cats is usually caused by several factors 1, such as genetic, environmental (e.g., sun rays), and mechanical (e.g., irritation and trauma to the skin).
- Genetics: Some cat breeds are more prone to certain types of skin cancer. For example, Persian and Himalayan cats are more prone to basal cell tumors, while Siamese cats are more prone to mast cell tumors.
- Exposure to the sun: Cats with white hair or hairless cats have an increased risk of developing skin tumors because they have less protection against UV rays. The most common type of cancer that occurs due to the sun’s rays is squamous cell carcinoma. It frequently occurs on hairless areas, such as the tips of the ears, nose, and eyelids. White cats (typically over 5 years old) are 13 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than those with dark fur.
- Trauma to the skin: Scars resulting from trauma to the skin can increase the risk of skin tumors because they disrupt the skin barrier.
- Chronic skin irritations: Irritations that occur on the skin due to allergies or compulsive behaviors like excessive licking, scratching, and overgrooming can increase the risk of skin cancer in cats.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed in Cats?
Initially, the veterinarian will perform a general exam and ask you about your cat’s medical history. But to correctly diagnose skin cancer in cats (and implicitly, differentiate between benign and malignant cancer), additional tests are needed.
- Fine needle aspiration (microscopic examination of cells obtained from a tumor aspirate)
- Biopsy (removing the tumor or a portion of the tumor, which will then be prepared and examined under a microscope by an anatomopathologist)
- Blood tests (blood biochemistry and complete blood count)
- Radiological examination (to detect lung metastases)
- Abdominal echography
Metastasized cancer can be painful, and a cat can live in suffering for the rest of their life. Therefore, it is vital for your cat to be taken to the vet as soon as the first clinical signs occur. If not treated, malignant cancers can lead to organ metastases and the death of your pet.
How Is Skin Cancer in Cats Treated?
In most cases of skin cancer in cats, the tumor can be treated surgically. Once it has been removed, the vet will send it to the lab to see what kind of cancer it is. Surgical treatment also depends on how advanced the disease is. For example, if the cancer has spread in the body, surgical treatment will not be recommended.
If the tumor is too large and in an area that does not permit access for surgical removal or your cat is not a good candidate for general anesthesia, the veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy and/or radiation. Chemotherapy is generally considered for certain types of tumors, especially those that have spread to other tissues.
How Do I Care For a Cat With Skin Cancer?
If your cat has been diagnosed with skin cancer, follow the advice and treatment prescribed by the veterinarian. If your cat underwent tumor removal surgery, monitor the incision site at home for redness, swelling, or discharge. Contact the veterinarian if these clinical signs occur.
Examine your cat’s skin regularly. If new lesions appear or if your cat has a wound that does not seem to heal, contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, if you have a cat with white hair or a hairless pet that likes to be in the sun, ask your veterinarian about cat-safe sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats Be Cured?
The early stages of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can be successfully treated, and affected cats will be able to lead normal and healthy lives. If the surgical margins have not been properly resected, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can recur. If this type of cancer occurs in other areas (e.g., in the mouth), it has a poor prognosis, as the treatment is ineffective. Cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma live an average of 2–4 months after diagnosis.
How Do You Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats?
The best method of preventing squamous cell carcinoma is to protect your cat from the sun’s UV rays. If you have a cat with white hair or a hairless cat, apply feline-friendly sunscreen to reduce the risk. The areas most exposed to the sun are the tips of the ears, the nose, and around the eyes.
Conclusion
Skin cancer in cats includes several types of cancer (benign or malignant). The most common are squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell tumor, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancer has no specific signs, except for the changes that occur at the level of the skin. These changes can be bumps, lumps, open wounds, crusts, sores, etc. Since some cancers can be malignant, meaning they can spread to other tissues and organs, check your cat’s skin regularly, and take them to the vet as soon as possible if these signs occur. Most types of skin cancer can be treated surgically.
Featured Image Credit: Libre, Shutterstock
