Kedilerde Lenfoma

Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer in cats and occurs in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells involved in the immune system. They circulate in the blood and lymphatic vessels. Therefore, lymphoma is considered a systemic, or non-localized, disease.

Unlike lymphoma in dogs, feline lymphoma is better understood in relation to viral causes. FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, has been shown to increase the risk of lymphoma in cats by approximately 60 times. When examining records related to feline lymphoma, it has been observed that the disease typically occurs more frequently in young cats infected with feline leukemia virus and in older cats not infected with the virus. In addition, factors such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), exposure to tobacco and tobacco products, and chronic immunosuppressive treatment are known to increase the risk of lymphoma in cats.

Types of Lymphoma in Cats

Lymphoma can occur in different parts of a cat's body. Before widespread feline leukemia virus vaccination began, lymphoma was known as a type of cancer that tended to develop outside the gastrointestinal tract. Today, intestinal lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma, accounting for more than 50% of all lymphoma cases.

Intestinal Lymphoma: Lymphoma affecting the gastrointestinal system is called intestinal lymphoma. It is the most common type of lymphoma in cats. Intestinal lymphoma accounts for more than 50% of feline lymphoma cases. With increased vaccination rates, it is commonly seen in older cats, and the average age at diagnosis is 9-13 years. Cats with intestinal lymphoma have low-grade versions that cause thickening of the intestines and high-grade versions that cause large masses in the intestines.

Mediastinal Lymphoma: This type of lymphoma occurs due to mass formation in the lymph nodes in the chest area and the thymus gland. It is usually seen in young cats, and the average age of onset is considered to be 5 years. This type of lymphoma is very strongly associated with feline leukemia virus. It has been observed that 80% of cats diagnosed with mediastinal lymphoma test positive for feline leukemia. Renal Lymphoma: This is lymphoma that occurs in the kidneys. It is known to cause symptoms similar to kidney failure because cancer cells replace functional kidney cells. Renal lymphoma is also related to feline leukemia. 50% of diagnosed cats test positive for feline leukemia. It can spread to the nervous system, especially the spinal cord and brain, and can be aggressive. Nasal Lymphoma: This is a type of lymphoma that occurs when a tumor develops in the nasal cavity of cats. Multicentric Lymphoma: This develops in the lymph nodes throughout the body. It is a very rare type of lymphoma in cats. It is commonly associated with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. Unlike cats, it is the most common type of lymphoma in dogs.

Renal Lymphoma: This is lymphoma that occurs in the kidneys. It is known to cause symptoms similar to kidney failure because cancer cells replace functional kidney cells. Renal lymphoma is also related to feline leukemia. 50% of diagnosed cats test positive for feline leukemia. It can spread to the nervous system, especially the spinal cord and brain, and can be aggressive.

Nasal Lymphoma: This is a type of lymphoma that occurs when a tumor develops in the nasal cavity of cats.

Multicentric Lymphoma: Develops in the lymph nodes of the body. It is a very rare type of lymphoma in cats. It is commonly associated with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus. Unlike cats, it is the most common type of lymphoma in dogs.

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Cats

The most common lymphoma in cats is intestinal lymphoma, and intestinal lymphoma has gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Halsizlik
• Changes in appetite
• A mass or hardening in the abdominal area are common symptoms of intestinal lymphoma.

Symptoms of lymphoma types other than intestinal lymphoma also vary depending on which system the lymphoma affects.

Mediastinal lymphoma symptoms include;

• Nefes alma kapasitesinde azalma,
• Sudden difficulty breathing,
• Decreased energy levels,
• Loss of appetite.

Renal lymphoma symptoms include;

• Weight loss,
• Increased water consumption,
• Vomiting,
• Loss of appetite. Symptoms of nasal lymphoma include: Sneezing, Runny nose, Swelling of the nasal bridge in advanced cases. Symptoms of multicentric lymphoma include: Hard swellings in the lymph nodes under the chin, shoulder, or behind the knee, Vomiting, Loss of appetite.

Symptoms of nasal lymphoma include;

• Sneezing,
• Runny nose,
• Swelling of the nasal bridge occurs in advanced cases.

Symptoms of multicentric lymphoma include;

• Hard swellings in the lymph nodes, such as under the chin, behind the shoulder or knee,
• Vomiting,
• Loss of appetite.

Kedilerde Lenfoma Nedenleri

When considering the causes of lymphoma in cats, it is seen that the causes vary according to the type of lymphoma. Mediastinal and multicentric lymphoma types are commonly associated with feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus.

Intestinal lymphoma, on the other hand, is a type of lymphoma that occurs due to genetic and environmental factors. In addition, environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco and tobacco product smoke are known to be associated with lymphoma in cats. Cats living in a house where smoking occurs are twice as likely to develop lymphoma.

How is Lymphoma Diagnosed in Cats?

If lymphoma is suspected in a cat, the veterinarian needs to perform some tests. Blood and urine tests are performed first, and X-rays are taken.

Blood cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels are also checked in cases where intestinal lymphoma is suspected. In addition, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to investigate signs of thickening in the intestines. Since intestinal lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma, an intestinal biopsy is also necessary to confirm this diagnosis.

If lymphoma types occurring in the chest, nasal cavity, or kidneys are suspected, advanced imaging methods such as computed tomography should be used.

Treatment of Lymphoma in Cats

Since the lymphatic system works throughout the body, it is recommended that the disease be treated with oral or injectable medications. The most effective method is chemotherapy. In feline lymphoma treatment, surgery is rarely preferred to remove cancerous cells. Surgical intervention is usually preferred to remove nasal tumors or abdominal masses.