Our pets are a wonderful source of love, companionship, entertainment, and stress relievers, but they can also worry us. Despite the many steps we take and the measures we put in place to ensure we give our cats the best care, there are always diseases that are completely out of our control, and cancer continues to be one of them. .
There are several types of cancer that can affect our feline companions, and basal cell tumor is one of the most common skin tumors in cats. The good news is that over 90% of them are benign.
Let’s look at basal cell tumors in cats, including how they are recognized and how they are treated.
What is a Basal Cell Tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, with the type of tumor determined by the type of cells involved. Why tumors form is still not fully understood, but once they start, the abnormal cells continue to grow and replicate. Some are limited to a single, contained area, also known as benign tumors. Meanwhile, malignant tumors (cancer) invade surrounding tissues and structures and can spread (metastasize) to different parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
Basal cell tumors develop from the basal cell layer of the epidermis. In most cases, these tumors are benign and do not grow beyond the basal cell layer in the area where they started. In about 10% of cases, the tumor will grow and replicate beyond the basal cell layer and into the surrounding tissues. This is known as malignant basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Where are the Signs of Basal Cell Tumors?
Although basal cell tumors can grow anywhere on the skin, they are most common on the head, neck, and shoulders. They can range from 0.4 inches to over 4 inches in diameter and are usually firm, raised, hairless, or may develop from a single stem.
BCC lesions are not usually raised but appear as irritated, ulcerated lesions on the head, neck, or legs. Although BCCs will grow and spread into the surrounding skin, they are unlikely to metastasize.
What Causes Basal Cell Tumors?
We do not fully understand how or why basal cell tumors develop. There may be several predisposing factors, including viral infections, age, genetics, sun exposure, and race. Long- and medium-haired cats, such as Persians, Himalayans, and Angoras, have a higher incidence of basal cell tumors than other breeds.
How is Basal Cell Tumor Diagnosed?
Depending on the size and location of the growth, diagnosis can be made using:
- Fine-needle aspirate: A small number of cells are taken from the mass with a needle and examined under a microscope.
- Incisional biopsy: A section of the tumor is removed with a scalpel or biopsy punch, and sent for histopathological examination (examination of thin tissue sections under a microscope).
- Excisional biopsy: The entire tumor was surgically removed and sent for histopathological examination.
If the tumor proves to be a malignant BCC, your veterinarian may recommend additional investigations, such as blood tests, imaging, and lymph node biopsies, to check if the tumor has spread.
How is Basal Cell Tumor Treated?
Small, benign basal cell tumors can be monitored and removed only if they undergo rapid growth or change in appearance. Cryosurgery can be used to remove very small tumors.
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for malignant basal cell carcinomas. If the BCC is in a location where surgical removal is not possible or likely to be successful, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used.
Basal cell carcinomas have a high rate of treatment success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prognosis for a Cat with a Basal Cell Tumor or Carcinoma?
For cats with basal cell tumors, the prognosis is excellent. Even those with malignant BCC have a very good prognosis due to the low malignancy rate of this type of tumor. However, when left untreated, they can cause pain, suffering, and possibly spread, so removal of BCCs is always recommended.
What is the Difference Between Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
As the name suggests, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originates in the squamous layer of the epidermis, which is thicker and shallower than the basal layer. Unlike BCC, SCC is an aggressive, invasive, and sometimes metastatic tumor. They usually occur on the face and ears, especially on white or light-pigmented skin. They are also a common oral tumor in cats. There is no recognized benign form of SCC in cats.
What Should I Do If My Cat Bleeds Their Basal Cell Tumor?
If your cat has a benign basal cell tumor, they may occasionally knock or scratch the wound and it will bleed. Although this is not an immediate cause for concern, if it occurs repeatedly, it can increase their risk of infection, and removal of the mass should be considered.
Conclusion
Basal cell tumors are the most common skin tumors of cats and dogs, with less than 10% being malignant. In the case of basal cell carcinoma, early detection and treatment have a high success rate, so it’s important to have any new lumps, bumps, or growths checked by your veterinarian. The smaller the growth, the easier it is to remove.
Featured Image Credit: Catster
