Cat Skin Cancer - Types, Causes, and Treatments

Skin cancer is a deadly disease in which abnormal growth of the body's cells occurs in the skin and is not recognized by the white blood cells. This unnecessary growth of cells then becomes the tumor, and skin tumors in cats are often seen on the legs, neck, head, or trunk, affecting various parts of the cat's skin.

It is difficult to diagnose cancer by its appearance alone. Proper microscopic examination of the cancer cells is required. Any pet owner must be aware of the types of cancerous skin diseases and the possible causes of these diseases in cats. 

Here, we will discuss all the types of cat skin cancer, some causes, and what treatments your cat can undergo to deal with skin cancer.

What is Feline Skin Cancer?

Feline skin cancer, also known as skin tumors, is a type of cancer that affects the skin of cats. It is a common health issue, with approximately 1 in 5 cats developing skin cancer at some point in their lives. This condition can occur in any breed or age of cat, but certain breeds, such as white cats, are more prone to developing skin cancer due to their lack of skin pigmentation. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of feline skin cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Types of Cat Skin Cancer

Skin tumors in cats can be classified into two main categories: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous and do not spread to other body parts. Common examples of benign skin tumors in cats include lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and basal cell tumors. These tumors are generally less concerning but should still be monitored by a veterinarian.

On the other hand, malignant tumors are cancerous and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Examples of malignant skin tumors in cats include squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell tumors, and melanoma. These types of tumors require prompt medical attention and treatment to prevent further complications.

You should be aware of three primary types of skin cancer in cats. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of feline skin cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment, as these tumors can significantly impact the cat's body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): 

SCC is the most common type of cat skin cancer.

Skin areas exposed to the sun are primarily affected.

Cats with light-colored fur are especially at risk.

Mast Cell Tumors (MCT):

MCT can appear anywhere in the skin, even within the internal organs.

Looks like a small, raised lump.

Can be benign or malignant.

Feline Melanoma:

Melanoma can appear in dark-skinned areas.

Melanoma looks dark, with flat marks like a mole on the skin.

This type of tumor may be less harmful to your cat.

Did you know?

Cats with white or light-colored fur are more susceptible to skin cancer. They have less protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Causes of Cat Skin Cancer

Some of the factors causing skin cancers in cats include the following:

Environmental Toxins:

Carcinogenic chemicals that are present in harmful compounds such as:

• Aflatoxins
• Pesticides
• Tobacco smoke
• Alcoholic beverages 

Sun Exposure:

• Prolonged sun exposure is the primary reason for skin cancer in cats.
• Cats with white or faded colors are more susceptible to cancer.

Genetics:

• Due to genetic disorders or any mutation in some breed’s DNA, there are chances of skin cancer.

Age:

• Due to the weak immune systems of older cats, skin cancer can affect them badly compared to young ones.

Skin Cancer in Cats Symptoms

Early detection and diagnosis of cat skin cancer can prevent the condition from becoming fatal and help the cat live everyday life. A common diagnostic procedure is fine needle aspiration, where a small sample of cells or tissue is withdrawn from a tumor for examination under a microscope.

Here are some key signs you must watch out:

1. Black marks resembling moles (feline melanoma skin black mark flat).
2. Changes in the color or size of a mole or lesion.
3. Ulcerated or open sores that don’t heal.
4. Unusual lumps or bumps on the skin.
5. Itchy or painful areas of the skin.
6. Scaly or red patches.

Do you know? 

Cat skin cancer at its early stage may also be less painful. Even when taken to the vet regularly, detection may occur before symptoms appear.

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like on a Cat?

Feline skin cancer often presents in various forms, such as: 

• Squamous cell carcinoma may resemble a lesion or scab that never heals.
• Melanomas are darkened skin spots, typically black.
• Mast cell tumors can appear as raised lumps.

Any change in your cat's skin should be reported to your veterinarian.

Do You Know? 

Cats are excellent at hiding pain, which is why it's so important to monitor changes in their skin or behavior. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

The following are the procedures that every cat owner should follow when noticing anything odd with a cat's skin. A vet will perform a physical examination; if necessary, a biopsy will be required from the affected body area.

Additionally, checking the lymph nodes is crucial, as malignant tumors can spread to these nodes, indicating an aggressive form of cancer.

This will then help the biopsy establish whether the growth is cancerous.

Treatment Options for Cat Skin Cancer:

• Surgery: The most frequent treatment is surgery to remove a tumor. Sometimes, a small margin of surrounding tissue is removed to lessen the chances of cancer spreading.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment can also be administered to help reduce the size of a tumor if cancer has grown much or surgery cannot be performed.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is less standard with Glioma as compared to astrocytoma and can be taken if the cancer has spread.
• Cryotherapy: The method by which small tumors get frozen to treat cancer.

Cat Skin Cancer Survival Rates

The survival rates for cats with skin cancer vary according to type and stage; it dramatically improves with early detection and treatment.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Prevention of Skin Cancer in cats

Although you cannot always prevent feline skin cancers, several actions can be taken to avoid them.

• Limit sun exposure: Keep cats with cancer indoors during very sunny times.
• Apply pet-safe sunscreen: Specialized sunscreens are available for cats. If the cat loves basking, use them on exposed areas such as the nose and ears.
• Regular vet check-ups: Visiting your vet regularly for early diagnosis is crucial. Any abnormality in your cat's skin can become fatal if left unattended.

Other Common Cat Diseases You Should Be Concerned About

Skin cancer is not the only disease affecting your cat's health. Some of the other common illnesses include:

Feline leukemia (FeLV)h

It is an infectious viral disease of the immune system.

Feline Diabetes

It is one of the more common feline diseases in overweight/obese cats.

You can also check out our article about common cat diseases here. 

To Conclude!

Cat skin cancer is a severe condition. However, it can be overcome if diagnosed early and treated promptly.

As a pet owner, you must know how important it is to have your cat checked periodically by your vet and to pay special attention to its skin lesions.

If your cat has a skin problem, find a vet for your cat at VetPet Central today.

Our experts can help you take the proper steps to care for your pet and treat common cat diseases.

FAQs

Can an indoor cat get skin cancer?

Even cats that stay indoors for a long time are unsafe from skin cancer. However, it is significant to understand that other causes may lead to skin cancer in cats, and these include:

• Genetic factors 
• Environment factors

Both these will increase the susceptibility of the cat to skin cancer.

Can cats get skin cancer?

Yes, skin cancer in cats can appear as sores, ulcers, scabs, warty lumps, or pimples on the skin. They might be black, brown, gray, pink, or red. Look for any strange lumps and bumps on your cat, and seek veterinarian attention if you see anything.