Lymphoma in Cats - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Chemotherapy
Understand feline lymphoma diagnosis and chemotherapy treatment options.
What is Feline Lymphoma?
Feline lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in cats. While FeLV-positive cats have higher incidence, lymphoma (especially alimentary type) is also common in FIV/FeLV-negative cats.
Lymphoma
Causes and Risk Factors
- FeLV infection: feline leukemia virus significantly increases lymphoma risk
- FIV infection: also associated with increased lymphoma incidence
- Secondhand smoke: studies show higher lymphoma rates in cats living with smokers
- Age: alimentary lymphoma most commonly affects middle-aged to older cats (9–13 years)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary by lymphoma type. The most common alimentary type presents with chronic gastrointestinal signs; mediastinal type primarily causes respiratory problems.
- Weight loss: most common sign; may persist even with normal appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea: chronically recurring in gastrointestinal lymphoma
- Abdominal mass: palpable lump or abdominal distension
- Breathing difficulty: occurs in mediastinal type with pleural effusion
- Enlarged lymph nodes: neck, axillary, or inguinal nodes become enlarged
- Lethargy and reduced appetite: general deterioration in condition
Diagnosis
Blood work and abdominal ultrasound are performed first. Definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy or fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Distinguishing lymphoma type (B-cell/T-cell) and grade (low/high) is critical for treatment planning and prognosis. Chest X-rays and ultrasound assess metastatic extent.
Chemotherapy Treatment
- Low-grade alimentary lymphoma: oral chlorambucil + prednisolone combination. High response rate, median survival 2–3+ years
- High-grade lymphoma: CHOP protocol (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone). Complete remission in 50–70% of cats
- Radiation therapy: used for mediastinal type or localized lesions
- Steroid monotherapy: used as palliative care when chemotherapy is not feasible
| Type | Location | Symptoms | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal (most common) | Small/large intestine | Weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea | Low-grade: years of survival possible |
| Mediastinal | Thoracic lymph nodes | Breathing difficulty, pleural effusion | Young cats, FeLV-associated |
| Multicentric | Systemic lymph nodes | Generalized lymphadenopathy, lethargy | May respond to chemotherapy |
Sources & References
- Veterinary Cancer Society - Feline Lymphoma
- Cornell Feline Health Center - Lymphoma
※ This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.