What is Cancer?
In its simplest form, cancer is the formation of abnormal cells in the body. These cells grow rapidly and invade other tissues throughout the body Many forms of cancer become solid tumors, however, there are types – such as leukemia – that do not. The solid tumors, which can be internal or external, can metastasize but not always.
Cancerous (Malignant) vs Benign
While benign growths are composed of abnormal tissue, they are not cancerous. Benign growths develop slowly and do not spread throughout the body. Cancer cells not only spread but also trick the immune system so that it doesn’t recognize it as a threat and ignore signals from the body. Keep in mind that while benign tumors themselves are not a threat, some can turn cancerous; so your vet may still monitor your pet for cancer even if their masses were benign.
What to Look For
Some common signs of cancer you want to look for include but aren’t limited to:
- Persistent lumps and bumps
- Nosebleeds
- Bad odors from the mouth
- Abnormal discharges such as puss and blood
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms can be correlated with other illnesses so if your pet exhibits any of these, consult with a vet before assuming that it’s cancer.
Treatment
Like people, cancer treatment for dogs and cats will depend on the type of cancer. Some types of cancer can be surgically removed with no recurrence while others require chemotherapy, radiation, or long-term steroid use.
References
Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota (n.a) ‘Oral tumors in Pets’. Available at:
https://aercmn.com/oral-tumors-in-pets/
Cleveland Clinic (n.a) ‘Benign Tumor’ Available at:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22121-benign-tumor
Corp-Minamiji, C. (2024) ‘Cancer is a Cellular Delinquent’. Available at:
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=6664598
National Cancer Institute (n.a) ‘What is Cancer’ Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#cell-differences