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Fibrosarcoma in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/12/2016Updated: 01/12/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Fibrosarcoma?
When describing feline fibrosarcoma, vets explain that this type of cancer begins in individual cells within connective tissue, as well as just under the surface of the cat’s skin.
Fibrosarcoma is a form of soft-tissue cancer that is not uncommon common in cats. Fibrosarcoma generally grows aggressively in the cells where it first appears, but is slow to spread to other body organs or systems. Fibrosarcomas begin in the fibroblasts of the skin (cells in connective tissues) and in subcutaneous (under the skin surface) connective tissues. While some grow slowly, others may grow more quickly. After being surgically removed, fibrosarcomas can grow back.
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Symptoms of Fibrosarcoma in Cats
The cat’s owner is most likely to notice lumps just underneath the surface of the cat’s skin. These lumps can appear anywhere on the cat’s body: the head, legs, in the mouth and anywhere else on its body. The area in between the shoulder blades is most often implicated, making up for about 40 to 50% of these tutors. Other symptoms include:
- Lumps may be fleshy or firm
- The cat may not feel pain from the lumps
- Lumps are irregularly shaped
Fibrosarcomas can also develop inside the cat’s body; usually on its spine, in the pelvis, or in its ribs. Advanced fibrosarcoma causes the cat to:
- Have difficulty eating
- Lose its appetite
- Become dehydrated
- Painful walking
- Become lethargic
- Develop mysterious bleeding in its mouth
Causes of Fibrosarcoma in Cats
Cats can develop fibrosarcoma for one of three reasons. If the cat is older, it may be more prone to developing this particular form of cancer.
Some vaccines have been linked to the development of fibrosarcoma, but these occurrences are relatively rare. When fibrosarcoma develops as the result of vaccinations, it is called “vaccinosarcoma” or vaccine-induced sarcoma. While vets still recommend that cat owners have their pets vaccinated, vets will give one vaccine, such as the rabies shot, in one leg, then give the feline leukemia (FeLV) vaccine in the opposite leg. This way, if an aggressive tumour occurs, we can amputate the leg to save the cat's life.
The adjuvant within the vaccination is usually aluminum. This ingredient helps to keep the killed virus within the area where the injection was given for a short time so the body can develop an immune response. By keeping the killed virus in one small area, it makes it easier for the cat to develop a localized inflammation, which can stimulate the development of the sarcoma. Cat owners should discuss modifying their cat’s vaccination schedule with the vet.
The third cause is a mutant form of FeLV, called feline sarcoma virus or FeSV, which can lead to fibrosarcoma. This occurs in younger cats, who develop multiple tumors.
Diagnosis of Fibrosarcoma in Cats
If the vet suspects a fibrosarcoma, they will run several tests. First, they will give the cat a full physical exam, from head to tail, so they can rule out any other causes of the lumps. Making an early diagnosis while the cancerous lump is still small gives the cat a higher chance of recovery and survival. Early detection also allows the vet to prescribe more options that give the cat a more positive outcome.
They will order routine testing, such as a biochemical profile, urinalysis and a complete blood count. These tests allow the vet to rule out other illnesses and to assess the cat's overall health.
Next, the vet will order X-rays or a CT scan, which allow them to see the lump and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the cat’s body. An X-ray shows a fibrosarcoma as a soft tissue mass.
Once the vet begins to narrow their diagnosis down, they will do a fine-needle aspiration or biopsy of the lump so the cells can be examined under a microscope.
Finally, the vet does a FeLV test. This is a blood test that will allow them to determine if the fibrosarcoma has developed because of FeSV.
Once the vet has made a diagnosis, the pet owner will need to work with them to start cancer treatment and begin an at-home treatment regimen so the cat has a better chance of survival.
Treatment of Fibrosarcoma in Cats
Treatment options depend on where in the cat’s body the cancer is located. It’s much easier to treat cancer that has not spread to other organs, because they spread with nearly invisible tentacles. This makes complete eradication of the cancer even more difficult because, if any cancer cells remain in the cat’s body, new cancers can develop.
Surgery
Depending on where the cancer is located, the vet may suggest surgery to remove the cancer, along with the removal of some of the healthy tissue. Limb amputation may be necessary.
Radiation
Post-surgery, the vet may prescribe radiation, which helps to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Radiation treatment begins about two weeks post-surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may also be prescribed. This can begin before surgery so the tumor can be shrunk, making removal easier. After surgery, chemo may be given again so remaining cancer cells can be killed off. While humans are likely to lose their hair, chemo given to a cat doesn’t lead to them losing their hair. Instead, they will be tired, sleeping more than usual for a day or two.
The vet may also recommend a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. When a cat with fibrosarcoma has undergone chemo, it may survive for two or three years after diagnosis and treatment.
The vet may opt for oral medication to treat the cancer. If the cat experiences pain symptoms, the vet prescribes pain medication. Some vets are open to complementary treatments, including immunotherapy, acupuncture or nutritional therapy.
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Recovery of Fibrosarcoma in Cats
Recovery from fibrosarcoma depends on where the tumor is located, how long it has existed in the cat, and its grade. The grade is determined by the frequency of cell division within the tumor.
Very young cats (up to one year old) are more likely to have malignant tumors. If the cat dies from fibrosarcoma, it is likely because of the recurrence of primary site tumors. A veterinary pathologist can give the vet and cat owner a prognosis which gives the cat owner a probability of recurrence of the cancer or a metastasis of the cancer to other parts of the cat’s body.
At home, pet owners need to keep the cat from scratching, biting, licking or rubbing the tumor. If an affected area becomes ulcerated, the cat’s owner needs to keep this clean. After surgery, the cat owner should report any suture loss, swelling and bleeding to the vet.
Fibrosarcoma Average Cost
From 469 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$6,000
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Fibrosarcoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Domestic Black Cat
Seven Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
My cat Lilly has developed multiple lumps above/around her left arm shoulder area (not sure if this is an injection site or possibly Fibrosarcoma, fatty tumors) it doesn't seem to hurt or no heat to it, every now and then she'll limp. She acts like her normal self (eating, drinking, playing etc.).. Im limited on money right now and just trying to get an idea of what it could be or curve into the right direction. Please an thankyou!
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without seeing Lilly, unfortunately, it is difficult to say what the lumps may be. They may be benign fatty tumors, or more insidious tumors or infections. It would be best to have an appointment with a veterinarian, and they can give you a better idea as to what direction things may need to go.
I hope that all goes well for her!
July 27, 2020
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Half siamese
Luna
12 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Luna is undergoing surgery at this very moment for a probable sarcoma on her back below shoulder area. if positive, highly likely per 2 vets, she will need radiation and chemotherapy and I wil need to take her to our specialty hospital for an oncologist.
Unbelievable my other cat Puma ended up there for an infection that turned into heart disease and $7000 treatment. 2 months from the day he wok up vomiting and was turfed through 3 clinics, he died at home. I did everything I could for him. The reason I tell is, could Luna's stress over Puma and his death (we were both in shock) have lowered her immune system so this tumor formed just the past month?
Sept. 11, 2018
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Fibrosarcoma Average Cost
From 469 quotes ranging from $2,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$6,000
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