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Types of Rare Cancers In Cats

The following tumours and cancers are rare in cats.

BRAIN TUMOURS

Some brain tumours start in the brain. They’re called primary tumours and are very rare. Secondary tumours on the other hand develop as a result of a different cancer that has spread to the brain. Brain tumour symptoms may include:

Seizures
Head pressing
Bumping into things
Abnormal behaviour
Meowing more; purring less
Vision problems that affect movement
Oversensitivity to pain or contact in the neck area

LIVER TUMOURS

Some liver tumours start in the liver, but it’s rare. Like brain tumours, liver tumours are more likely to develop due to a different cancer that has spread. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare but malignant tumour that affects liver tissue.

Symptoms in an advanced stage can include:

Lethargy
Anorexia
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Weakness
Weight loss
Excessive thirst
Abdominal haemorrhage

LUNG TUMOURS

Primary lung tumours (tumours that start in the lungs) are very rare. Secondary lung cancer from tumours that metastasise (spread) are more common. Symptoms can vary greatly and may manifest in different ways.

Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Insomnia
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Excessive hiding
Excessive coughing
Excessive meowing
Laboured or rapid breathing
Coughing up blood
Sudden lameness

MAMMARY TUMOURS

Mammary tumours are very rare in male cats and only occasionally seen in spayed females.

Unfortunately they are very common in intact females.

NASAL TUMOURS

Unlike many brain and lung tumours, nasal tumours tend to originate in the nose and are often difficult to detect. While uncommon, nasal tumours are known to be really aggressive. Types include lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system) as well as carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancers).

Signs and symptoms: