Kedilerde Cilt Kanseri

Skin cancer is quite common in cats, just as it is in humans. Skin cancer in cats is a serious condition. However, since it is treatable when diagnosed in the early stages, cats must be closely monitored. In this article, you can find answers to frequently asked questions about skin cancer in cats, for which early diagnosis is very important.

What is skin cancer in cats?

Skin cancer in cats is the second most common type of cancer after lymphoma. Basal cell tumors, mast cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma follow. Skin cancer, or squamous cell carcinoma, occurs in cats in tissues composed of squamous cells. Squamous cells are flat, irregularly shaped, scale-like cells that form the outer layer of epithelial tissue covering the inner and outer surfaces of a cat's organs. Their main functions include many tasks, from protecting the underlying tissue to facilitating nutrient exchange. Skin cancer is defined as cancerous growth in various areas of a cat's skin. It is more common in cats with finer and shorter fur. However, skin cancer can also be genetically inherited. Skin cancer can be easily distinguished from all other cancerous tumors that attack the body's structures and cause damage to cells and tissues, including non-malignant sebaceous cysts. What Causes Skin Cancer in Cats?

Skin cancer is defined as cancerous growths on various areas of a cat's skin. It is more common in cats with finer, shorter fur. However, skin cancer can also be genetically inherited. Skin cancer is easily distinguishable from other cancerous tumors that attack the body's structures, including non-malignant sebaceous cysts, causing damage to cells and tissues.

What causes skin cancer in cats?

Skin cancer in cats can occur due to various reasons, such as damage to squamous cells from excessive sunburn. However, by far the most common cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure. The sun's ultraviolet rays cause damage to the DNA structure of cats. In this case, the cells begin to divide and multiply. Tumors caused by sun exposure are usually seen in areas with hairless or sparse fur in light or white cats. In cats with dark-colored fur, skin cancer is thought to be caused by a virus that causes a disorder known as Bowen's disease, rather than sun exposure.

Susceptible Areas of Cats to Skin Cancer

Areas where skin cancer lesions are seen in cats include the temples, the outer tips of the ears, the eyelids, the lips, and around the nose. One in three cats with skin cancer have more than one lesion. Squamous cell tumors can rarely occur in the mouth. While the exact cause is unknown, it is commonly believed to be related to chronic inflammation or chronic oral disease. Tumors can also occur, more rarely, in the liver, lungs, and other internal organs. Although there is no definitive evidence as to why skin cancer tumors occur in internal organs, it is thought to be due to cats' exposure to carcinogenic components from cigarette smoke or their inhalation or contact with various chemicals. Skin cancer tumors in cats are generally small, irregular structures with an indistinct outline and a hardened periphery. Mild pinkness or hair loss may occur in the area surrounding the tumor. Skin rash and oozing are among the signs that occur in the area. The tumor surface may also be concave or protruding. Squamous cell carcinomas have an invasive nature and spread slowly. What initially appears as a small scratch can later develop into a tumor. If left untreated, skin cancer can lead to ulceration. As the tumor progresses, problems such as swelling and tissue erosion occur in the affected area. In cats, skin tumors can reach deeper than the epithelial layer as they progress. They can also spread from the face to the nasal cavity and beyond. Tumors occurring in the mouth may initially go unnoticed. Tumors in this area can cause ulceration of the gums and tooth loss. These symptoms can easily be confused with a dental problem.

Characteristics of Skin Cancer Tumors

Skin cancer tumors in cats are generally small, irregular structures with a faint outline and a hardened periphery. Slight pinkness or hair loss may occur in the area surrounding the tumor. Skin rash and oozing are among the symptoms that occur in the area. The tumor surface may also be concave or protruding. Squamous cell carcinomas have an invasive nature and spread slowly. A deformation that initially appears as a small scratch can later develop into a tumor. If skin cancer is left untreated, ulceration occurs. As the tumor progresses, problems such as swelling and tissue erosion occur in the area. In cats, skin tumors can reach deeper than the epithelial layer as they progress. They can also spread from the face to the nasal cavity and beyond. Tumors occurring in the mouth may initially be overlooked. Tumors in this area cause ulceration of the gums and tooth loss. These symptoms can easily be confused with a dental problem.

How is Skin Cancer Treated in Cats?

As soon as symptoms of skin cancer appear in cats, a veterinarian should be consulted without delay. Because it is a treatable disease when detected in its early stages. First, a biopsy is performed on the tumor. In case of early diagnosis, tumors can be surgically removed. In addition, tumors around the face that have reached a depth of no more than two millimeters can be easily treated with radiation therapy. If the cancer is detected when it has progressed, radiation therapies lasting 3-4 weeks may be applied depending on the extent of the problem. However, this treatment method does not offer a definitive solution in the treatment of advanced skin cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the tumors before they reach deeper into the skin and start treatment.