What is a tumor in cats called? - briefly
A tumor in cats is typically referred to as a neoplasm or mass. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their specific names depend on the type of cells involved and the location within the body.
What is a tumor in cats called? - in detail
A tumor in cats, similar to humans and other animals, is known by several terms depending on its nature and location. Tumors are abnormal growths of cells that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). In cats, these growths are referred to as neoplasms or masses.
Benign tumors in cats, which do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize, are often called adenomas if they originate from glandular tissue, or fibromas if they arise from connective tissue. Examples include sebaceous adenoma and papilloma, both of which are common skin tumors in cats.
Malignant tumors, on the other hand, can spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. These are typically referred to as carcinomas if they originate from epithelial cells (the type that lines surfaces within the body), or sarcomas if they arise from connective tissue. For instance, lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and can spread throughout the cat's body. Mammary gland tumors in cats are often malignant and are referred to as mammary carcinomas.
Additionally, certain types of tumors have specific names based on their tissue of origin or behavior. For example, a mast cell tumor is a type of cancer that arises from cells involved in the immune system's response to allergens and parasites. Squamous cell carcinoma is another common form of skin cancer in cats, which typically develops on areas exposed to sunlight.
In conclusion, while the general term "tumor" is used to describe any abnormal growth of cells, specific terms such as adenoma, fibroma, carcinoma, and sarcoma are used to classify tumors in cats based on their characteristics and behavior. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for veterinary professionals when diagnosing and treating feline neoplasms.