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Oral Tumours
Orals tumours are the 3rd most common forms of cancer in cats.
Overview
Oral tumours are the third most common form of cancer in cats. It is estimated that approximately 3% of cats suffer from oral tumours. It refers to any cancer found in the bone, teeth or soft tissue of the jaw, tongue or throat.
Common types of oral tumours in cats:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Fibrosarcoma
Signs
Common signs of oral tumours:
- Mass within the mouth
- Increased salivation
- Blood in saliva
- Blood found on toys after chewing
- Bad breath
- Swelling of the face or eye
- Bloody discharge from the nose
- Difficulty eating
- Loose teeth
Causes
Squamous cell carcinoma
- Severe extensive involvement of bone
- Often seen as a loose tooth for no reason
- Site-dependent metastases
Fibrosarcoma
- Often look benign
- Fast growing
- Metastases to lymph nodes or lungs
- Early sign is usually blood in saliva
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on a full history, physical examination including the palpation of lymph nodes to check for enlargement, biopsy of the mass and lymph nodes and occasionally a CT scan.
Management
Depending on the type of oral tumours, treatment can consist of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Potential complications following surgery:
- Breakdown of sutures
- Bleeding from the nose
- Increased salivation
- Swelling of the tongue
- Eating difficulties
- Facial deformity
- Mandibular drift with resulting malocclusion
- Tumour recurrence
Most pets require regular checks following surgery and once completed healed, pets may be required to be checked every 3 months.
Tips
Tips to help manage a pet following surgery:
- Feed little meatballs or dry food for the first 10 days
- Avoid wet food for the first 10 days
- Use an Elizabethan collar if the pet scratches at the wound