Adenocarcinoma in Cats
Adenocarcinoma in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Adenocarcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer. Like all forms of cancer, the cells in the body grow uncontrollably in a specific location, invading vital surrounding structures. This mass growth of cells is called a tumor which, in the case of adenocarcinoma, is always malignant (cancerous) and invades other tissues. Tumors arising from glandular tissues that are benign (non-cancerous) are termed adenoma and do not invade surrounding tissues. Whether a tumor is malignant or benign, scientists are still puzzled as to what causes the cells to lose control of their growth. The body’s various types of cells are actively destroyed and replaced with new cells once they have carried out their ultimate function. However, something in the body changes this routine process and creates more cells than the body needs in one location.
Adenocarcinoma in cats is an aggressive form of cancer that arises from epithelium and glandular tissues throughout the body. Adenocarcinomas can affect many organs in a feline’s body, but the most common structures to be affected by these growths are the intestines, lungs, pancreas and kidneys. The way adenocarcinoma affects your cat depends on what tissues it is occupying, but most adenocarcinomas cause gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea. Adenocarcinoma, no matter which type your cat has, is a serious disease that is often fatal to felines.
Adenocarcinoma Average Cost
From 463 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma in Cats
Symptoms of adenocarcinoma in cats depend on where in the body the tumor has developed. The most common adenocarcinoma-associated symptoms in cats include: 
  • Localized pain or discomfort 
  • Palpable growth
  • Reluctance to remain active
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Blood in the stool
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting 
  • Prolonged infections
  • Prolonged healing time 
  • Lethargy 
  • Depression
  • Anorexia
  • Distended abdomen
  • Constipation  
Types
Since adenocarcinomas arise from glandular or epithelial tissues, and these tissues occur throughout the body, adenocarcinomas affect a number of internal structures. Common types of adenocarcinomas cancers in cats include: 
  • Intestinal adenocarcinoma
  • Mammary adenocarcinoma
  • Kidney adenocarcinoma
  • Lung adenocarcinoma
  • Prostate adenocarcinoma
  • Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
  • Esophageal adenocarcinoma
Causes of Adenocarcinoma in Cats
The cause of adenocarcinoma in cats still remains unknown, as in many other forms of cancer. However, adenocarcinoma typically affects felines with tri-colored fur coats, Siamese cat breeds, and cats older than seven years of age. Experts believe that cancer itself occurs when cells grow uncontrollably in one location, but the question as to why this uncontrollable cell growth happens is still unanswered.
Diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma in Cats
The diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in cats varies as the test the veterinarian selects will depend greatly on where the tumor is located. However, your cat doctor will always begin with a review of the feline’s medical history and discuss current symptoms with the pet owner. A physical examination might reveal evidence of a lump, indicating a mass underneath the skin or in one of the body’s organs. Blood work, especially a biochemistry profile, will likely be requested as this test will detect changes in organ secretions. If an organ is producing more or less of a hormone than normal, it could indicate that a massive growth is compromising its functionality.
Once the veterinarian has an idea of where the adenocarcinoma might be located, he or she may request an MRI or CT scan. These specialized scans will allow the vet to see abnormal tissues in the body as well as how far the growth has progressed. The doctor may then request a biopsy of the mass to determine cancer potential and decide on a treatment plan.
Treatment of Adenocarcinoma in Cats
If at all possible, adenocarcinomas in cats are surgically removed, even if they are benign (non-cancerous), due to the large impact the growth has on the organ it is inhibiting. However, if the tumor has spread and removal of the mass has a high risk of life-threatening potential, your veterinarian may seek other forms of treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly prescribed to adenocarcinoma patients, but age, as well as your cat’s overall health, should be taken into consideration. Old cats, infants, and cats with very poor immune function may not be good candidates for these treatments.
Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background
Recovery of Adenocarcinoma in Cats
If your cat’s adenocarcinoma tumor was surgically removed, followed by cancer treating therapy, your cat has a positive prognosis. The majority of cats who have survived an adenocarcinoma live well over a year and only a select few have reported recurrences. There is no known way to prevent a cat contracting adenocarcinoma or to keep the disease from recurring in your feline. However, studies show that cats who maintain a proper diet, receive plenty of exercise, and live in a clean environment are less likely to develop an adenocarcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma Average Cost
From 463 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
arrow-up-icon
Top
Adenocarcinoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
dog-breed-icon
tabby
dog-name-icon
Oscar
dog-age-icon
15 Years
thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

1 found this helpful

My 15 year old kitty had a pea sized adenocarcinoma removed from under his jaw near the ear. He suffers from arthritis but is in otherwise good health. I was told that his chances of recurrence are only 30%. I am worried that cancer treatments may deteriorate his health and may not extend his life appreciably. In addition, we may have to take Oscar long distances for his treatment because there is no one local who can help him. How risky are these cancer treatments for a cat of this age?
Aug. 1, 2018
1 Recommendations
The decision to follow up the surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy would be down to a discussion with your Veterinarian regarding Oscar’s suitability and what the histopathology report came back indicating. Chemotherapy treatments themselves are as much risky but do carry side effects and the whole balance between health and side effects needs to be thought about; this isn’t something I can advise you on as I haven’t examined Oscar. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 2, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Egyptian Mau
dog-name-icon
Clinton
dog-age-icon
10 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump On Neck.
Hi, my cat was diagnosed, or as the vet we went to says, "interpreted to have" a condition referred to as Papillary basaloid ductular adenocarcinoma. It's on her salivary duct and since the excision was incomplete it's came back. It's not an internal growth, as it's on the surface of the skin, so my question is simple. Since it doesn't obstruct organ function is it still a good idea to consider her to get euthanized? I love my lil kitty and want to know what would befall her if she is to stay.
July 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Without knowing more about Clinton, it is very difficult for me to comment on whether she is suffering or not. If the growth is superficial, and she is generally happy, there may be more time. If the growth is interfering with her life or causing her pain, that is important to take into consideration. This question would be a great one to ask your veterinarian, as they know her, and her health status, and can advise you on her quality of life.
July 19, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Cat
dog-name-icon
Jack
dog-age-icon
9 Years
thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty
Cancer
Heart Displacement
my cats first started suffering from breathing issues some months ago, we had X-ray's taken and his heart was shown to be pushed severely to the left side by what looked to be a fatty growth. he was put on prednistolone, and since it's become worse. he had new x rays taken a week ago and a fresh lump has formed in the centre of the right lung. he also has a fatty/fluid like swelling on his abdomen region which from my. research leads me to suspect he might have this rather than lymphoma (the other option suggested) my query is this. given his heart issue (he has bouts of difficult breathing often and the vet gave him a few months to live) would it be too dangerous ornjust a bad idea to have him undergo ab aspirate/biopsy for chemo. i understand chemo would be purely palliative - surgery isn't an option where we live unfortunately. how traumatic would it be/risk vs gain? she says he isn't in any pain right now. I don't want to put him through needless pain. I also don't want him to have to die without an least trying something?
July 16, 2018
2 Recommendations
The decision to carry out any procedure is at the discretion of your Veterinarian based on their judgement of the risk:benefit balance and their determination of the animal’s overall health. If your Veterinarian feels that Jack isn’t in any pain, I wouldn’t go ahead with any invasive tested based on the information in your question (remember that not all cancers respond to chemotherapy so it may be a lot of stress for nothing); you should ensure that Jack is comfortable and overall hydrated. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 17, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Russian Blue
dog-name-icon
Googer
dog-age-icon
16 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Swelling
Loss Of Appetite
Lump
Occasional Fever
Paws At Eye
My sixteen year old Russian Blue's eye has been completely shut off by swelling originally from the bottom of his eye, starting about five days ago. It has only become more swollen, and after going to one vet, they have prescribed antibiotics, thinking this could be a bacterial infection or conjunctivitis. He used to be an outside cat but is now only inside. After keeping up with his prescriptions, the size of the swelling has decreased, but there is a bulbousy lump right below it that has surfaced. I'm worried that this assumption of an infection could actually be much worse. Is a tumor the likely diagnosis? I'm going to another vet in a couple days to see if they have any different thoughts. He had been not eating and was lethargic for a few days, but has since acted like his usual self and is eating regularly. Many thanks, and please wish the best for my best buddy and I.
April 30, 2018

0 Recommendations
Without examining Googer I cannot say whether this is cancer, infection or due to something else; whilst infection and cancer are possibilities and may occur simultaneously you should wait for your next visit to a Veterinarian before worrying too much. Sometimes lumps may be due to benign cysts or other issues which may be easily treated, but in some cases it may be cancerous. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 30, 2018
It seems that it only is a sterile abscess. Fortunately, all that's needed right now is removing the pus from the area
May 2, 2018
Googer's Owner
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
Tiger cat
dog-name-icon
hiedie
dog-age-icon
10 Years
thumbs-up-icon

4 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Weight Loss
Weight Loss Lhurts To Eat Or Drink
adenocarcinoma my cat has it, in both nasal passages and the space above the mouth. radiation, surgery and chemo are not an option,please help very sick, took to vet diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. both nasal passages and space between mouth and nose
Feb. 13, 2018
4 Recommendations
Unfortunately, if surgery/radiotherapy/chemotherapy are not possible the only remain option you have is to offer Hiedie palliative care for as long as she is comfortable; discuss management options with your Veterinarian, but surgical excision is the only real way forward. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 13, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon
British short hair
dog-name-icon
Panda
dog-age-icon
12 Years
thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My heat a full cat panda, was diagnosed a week and two days ago. I know carcinoma. He has gone downhill very quickly. He only had symptoms for about two weeks prior to me taking him to the vet. I thought it was aging. He had lost weight, muscle mass, I was sleeping more than usual. I took him to the vet when I noticed he didn’t want to drink from the faucet And wasn’t eating his dry food. I have been trying CBD oil the past two days and it seems to have perked him up and allowing him to eat and drink. His abdomen has grown and is painful and hard for him.
Adenocarcinoma Average Cost
From 463 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $8,000
Average Cost
$6,000
Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.


© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wag! Premium service

Get Wag! Premium & save on all services

Health & Wellness

Chevron down icon

Become a Caregiver

Chevron down icon

Wag! App

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install

Wag! for Pet Parents

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install

pet-parent-illustration

Pet Caregiver

Find pet care jobs on Wag!

Approved Caregiver?

Get the app