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Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/27/2016Updated: 01/13/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Stomach and Intestinal Cancer?
Types of gastrointestinal cancers include adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. Older cats have a predisposition for developing gastrointestinal cancers. Feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus may also play a role in the development of gastrointestinal cancer.
Stomach and intestinal cancer is a rare type of feline cancer, accounting for less than one percent of all reported cancers in cats. Gastrointestinal cancers are most commonly found in the small intestine. Stomach and intestinal tumors can be benign, but are typically malignant and aggressive.
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Symptoms of Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
Cats suffering from stomach or intestinal cancer will almost always show changes in eating habits due to tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Stomach and intestinal cancers are serious conditions that require early detection for the best prognosis. If your cat is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Changes in behavior
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood present in vomit or feces
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Difficulty defecating
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Signs of abdominal infection
- Masses in the abdomen
- Pale gums or other signs of anemia
Types
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinomas located in the digestive system usually affect the large and small intestines. This type of gastric cancer is extremely rare in cats and doesn’t usually affect the stomach. Adenocarcinomas grow rapidly, tend to be aggressive during metastasis, and may cause blockages in part of the intestines.
Leiomyosarcoma
This type of tumor can be benign or malignant and originates within the smooth muscle. Leiomyosarcoma can occur in any part of the body, but most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract. Malignant leiomyosarcomas have a high metastatic rate and typically spread to the lymph nodes and liver.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of aggressive malignant cancer that originates from an uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that protects the cat from foreign bodies or substances that may cause disease. Lymphoma can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Lymphoma is the most common type of gastric cancer in cats.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cells, like lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell. While mast cell tumors typically form on the skin, they may also affect the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding ulcers may be symptomatic of mast cell tumors, and Siamese cats in particular have a predisposition to developing mast cell tumors.
Causes of Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
The cause of stomach and intestinal cancer in cats will depend on the type of cancer and where it originated. As with most types of cancer anywhere in the body, gastrointestinal cancers are caused when cells begin to grow at an uncontrolled rate. Lymphoma, in particular, may be caused by a previous bout of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or the immunodeficiency virus. The link, however, is not fully understood by researchers.
Diagnosis of Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
The vet can make a tentative diagnosis based on presentation of symptoms and a physical examination. Be sure to inform the vet of the duration and extent of your cat’s symptoms, as well as any previous stomach or intestinal problems. An x-ray and a biopsy of the abdominal tissue will be required for a definitive diagnosis. The vet may also conduct other forms of standard testing to assess whether the cancer has spread. In some cases, the vet may perform a gastroscopy, which will require anesthetic.
Treatment of Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
Treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery is required for most types of gastrointestinal cancers, apart from lymphoma. Gastrointestinal lymphoma may be partially treated through surgery, but will typically require chemotherapy to ensure the best prognosis possible.
Before surgery, your vet will run some standard tests, including a blood chemistry profile, blood count, and urinalysis. They may also perform additional x-rays to ensure the cancer hasn’t spread to other organs. The surgery itself will usually involve the partial removal of the stomach and/or affected intestine. The veterinary surgeon will then reconnect the stomach to the intestine. Since radiation therapy can harm nearby organs, this is not usually recommended for most cases of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Recovery of Stomach and Intestinal Cancer in Cats
Your cat will typically be hospitalized for two days following surgery, and will receive intravenous fluid therapy during this recovery period. Your vet may prescribe anti-vomiting and pain management medication, as well as antacids to prevent stomach ulcers.
On the return home, ensure that your cat has a warm, secure place to rest. You’ll need to limit activity for up to three weeks to allow for adequate recovery, and don’t allow the cat to irritate the surgery site. If you notice any bleeding, swelling, or irritation of the surgery site, contact your vet immediately.
If your cat requires chemotherapy – which will be recommended for most malignant tumors – the vet will schedule follow-up appointments to administer chemotherapeutic drugs via injection. These treatments will begin two weeks after surgery and will occur once every two to three weeks for up to five sessions.
Prognosis will depend on the aggressiveness and stage of the cancer at the time of operation, as well as the success of the operation itself. Surgery may be completely curative for benign tumors. Malignant gastrointestinal cancers tend to have a poorer prognosis and a higher recurrence rate.
Stomach and Intestinal Cancer Average Cost
From 352 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
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Stomach and Intestinal Cancer Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
cat
Eleven Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Rapid Weight Loss, Vomiting, Stinky Stool
So this one is strange. Lost family cat to what they said was stomach cancer (no scan though so not confirmed). When diagnosed they said she would only last 2 months but she miraculously got better and lived 1.5 more years bit quickly fell ill again with symptoms described plus crazy high appetite and had a seizure she did not wake from. A few months later the other family cat is showing same symptoms (but no crazy appetite only symptoms listed above) and they think it is stomach cancer as well!!!?? Another idea they had was IBD. This seems too coincidental could this be a parasite or something.
Nov. 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I am very sorry that this is happening. Those signs are not common, and causes of ascites include heart failure, liver disease, or a protein losing disease. If your veterinarian thinks that there is a cancerous process in the stomach, that may be contributing to a protein loss. Perhaps an abdominal ultrasound would be a good idea, to further explore what might be causing this problem.
Nov. 9, 2020
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Cat
Sophie
10 Years
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy Loss Of Appetite Weight Loss
Lethargy Loss Of Appetite Weight
Hello I have a 10 year old female cat veterinarian did blood work and said it was lymphoma. Her abdomen is distended. She is only drinking a little beef broth.She is not responding to furosemide. What options do I really have for her ?
Aug. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
14 Recommendations
From your description, the only real option that is kind for her would be to let her go, humanely, in my opinion. She does not sound like she is having any quality of life, and it is important to make sure that she isn't suffering. I'm very sorry that is happening to your Sophie.
Aug. 20, 2018
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Stomach and Intestinal Cancer Average Cost
From 352 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $10,000
Average Cost
$7,000
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