Feline Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is commonly found in cats. It affects the cat’s lymphatic system which is an important part of the animal’s immune function. Feline lymphoma is a malignant cancer that starts from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are vital to the immune system and are distributed throughout the body, circulating it via the spleen, tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow and portions of the GI tract that make up the lymphatic system (Lymphoma, n.d.).
Types of Lymphoma
Various forms of feline lymphoma develop in different parts of the body so they are categorized depending on their location as well as cellular characteristics.
Gastrointestinal Lymphoma
More than half of all feline lymphoma cases are gastrointestinal lymphoma, making it the most common form of cancer in cats. Since it affects the gastrointestinal system, this type of lymphoma presents with the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and weight loss (Lymphoma, n.d.).
Mediastinal Lymphoma
This type of lymphoma is characterized by the formation of a mass in the mediastinum. Thus, it can lead to breathing difficulties due to impact on the chest area. It is usually linked with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and is more common in younger cats (Fabrizio et al., 2013).
Renal Lymphoma
This type of feline lymphoma mainly develops in the kidneys and may thus manifest through symptoms associated with kidney failure such as frequent urination and increased thirst (Mason & Pittaway, 2022).
Multicentric Lymphoma
This is a form of cat lymphoma affecting multiple lymph nodes throughout the body, including other different organs. Similar to mediastinal lymphoma, multicentric lymphoma is highly associated with FeLV (Mason & Pittaway, 2022; Lymphoma, n.d.).
Nasal Lymphoma
This tumor is characteristically confined to the nasal cavity. A bump may appear over the nose bridge. Symptoms include loud breathing, sneezing and nasal discharge (Mason & Pittaway, 2022).
Cellular Classification
Small Cell Lymphoma (SCL)
SCL has similar clinical signs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although a chronic condition, its prognosis is generally better and can be managed with oral medication such as prednisolone and chlorambucil.
Large Cell Lymphoma (LCL)
LCL is associated with an intestinal mass and a poorer prognosis. Diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite and weight loss are its common clinical signs. An average survival time of eight months has been reported in cats treated with a drug called CCNU.
Risk Factors
Viral Infections
Increased risk of development of multicentric and mediastinal lymphomas has been linked with FeLV infection.
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
Environmental Factors
An elevated risk of feline lymphoma development has been observed in cats exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke.
Symptoms
FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting)
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- decreased appetite
Mediastinal Lymphoma
- respiratory difficulties
- chest mass
- lethargy
Renal Lymphoma
- intense thirst
- frequent urination
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
Multicentric Lymphoma
- swollen lymph nodes
- depression
Nasal Lymphoma
- bulge over the nose bridge
- sneezing
- loud breathing
- nasal discharge
Diagnosis
- blood test
- biopsy/fine needle aspirate
- imaging (X-ray/ultrasound)
- test for FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Treatment
- chemoterapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone or CHOP)
- steroid therapy (prednisolone alone or in combination with other medications)
- surgery (surgical removal for localized tumors)
- test for FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)supportive care (dietary changes and supplements)
Prognosis
The outlook for cats diagnosed with lymphoma can differ a lot depending on a few key factors. First, small cell lymphoma usually has a better outlook than large cell lymphoma. Second, many cats can go into remission with the right treatment, but this doesn’t mean they are completely cured. The average survival time can range from 2 to 30 months, depending on how well the treatment works and the type of cancer. Lastly, if a cat has other health problems at the same time, it may have a worse outlook (Medical oncology: Feline lymphoma, n.d.).
Available Services for
Characterization
FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting)
qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction)
RNAseq (RNA sequencing)
Sterility
HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing
More on request
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