Intestinal Adenocarcinoma in Cats

Intestinal adenocarcinoma in cats is a type of colorectal tumor which is most frequent in older cats. Other predisposing factors include breed and sex as Siamese and male cats appear to be most affected by this type of carcinoma, respectively.

It is a tumor that mainly affects the jejunum (second section of small intestine) ileum (final section of small intestine). Adenocarcinomas are locally infiltrating tumors and usually cause symptoms similar to those caused by intestinal obstruction in cats. It is also common for these tumors to ulcerate, which can cause blood in the cat's feces, especially bloody diarrhea.

Intestinal adenocarcinoma in cats affects the glandular epithelium. It originates in the lining cells of the internal secretion glands of the intestine and produces a circumferential thickening of the intestinal wall.

They are tumors that can arise both in the large and small intestine. They present with rapid growth, giving rise to symptoms similar to those of a partial intestinal obstructive processes. They also have a high rate of metastasis to local lymph nodes, invading the intestine quite extensively.

Not only does intestinal adenocarcinoma affect the intestines, but it can also appear in other parts of the feline gastrointestinal tract. These include the stomach or rectum. Additionally, these tumors can cause significant inflammation, leading to discomfort and further complications for the afflicted cat.

As stated above, the clinical signs of feline intestinal adenocarcinoma are similar to those of gastrointestinal obstruction or blockage. The most common symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
• Digested blood in feces (melena)
• Fresh blood in the stool (hematochezia)
• Difficulty passing stool or tenesmus
• Abdominal pain in the mesogastrium (middle abdominal region)

When the disease progresses, weakness and decay will also appear. Metastasis to the mesenteric lymph nodes is common, resulting in life threatening complications for the cat.

In some cases, cats may also experience lethargy and changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or withdrawal. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other less serious conditions, so it's important to consult a veterinarian if any of these signs are observed.

As with many types of feline cancer, intestinal adenocarcinoma in cats has no clear established cause. It is not known why the cells mutate and acquire infiltrative and rapid growth capacity, nor how they affect the correct organic functionality and are able to spread to other locations.

Although the cause is not clear, there are risk factors of intestinal adenocarcinoma in cats. Since it is most commonly diagnosed more in older cats, we know that age is such a factor. Studies show that males are more susceptible than females and the most predisposed breed seems to be Siamese cats. It is reportedly diagnosed about 8 times more than in types of Siamese cats that any other breed.

Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to carcinogens or a history of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract might play a role in the development of this cancer. While genetic predispositions are significant, understanding environmental influences can provide a more comprehensive view of potential causes.

If you suspect your cat has intestinal adenocarcinoma, the first thing you need to do is take them to a veterinary center. They will out a anamnesis (medical history) and physical examination of the animal in order to obtain more information. If they believe there is either the presence of a tumor or another type of gastrointestinal obstruction, they will need to perform further diagnostic tests.

A complete blood work of the dog will be required with analysis in a laboratory. In positive cases of adenocarcinoma, blood chemistry may show mild to severe anemia due to loss of blood in vomit and/or feces. Leukocytosis will shift to the left, there will be a drop in albumin, a slight increase of alkaline phosphatase and a reduction in phosphorus.

To diagnose the intestinal tumor, diagnostic imaging techniques such as ultrasound and contrast radiography are used. Definitive diagnosis of feline intestinal adenocarcinoma is made from a sample taken by biopsy of the lesion and its histopathological study in the laboratory.

Advanced imaging techniques, like CT scans, can also be utilized to assess the extent of the tumor and its potential spread to other organs. Early detection through comprehensive diagnostic approaches increases the chances of managing the disease effectively.

The treatment of intestinal adenocarcinoma is complicated. It is not a tumor that is particularly sensitive to chemotherapy which is considered ineffective and it is not usually recommended in these patients.

Tumor removal or resection surgery is considered the treatment of choice. However, it is not usually curative due to the presence of metastases at the time of diagnosis in the vast majority of cases^[1]. This surgery consists of removing the part of the damaged intestine and rejoining it with the healthy parts. Analgesics are also often prescribed as palliatives for the pain that this tumor usually produces in affected cats.

Prognosis of intestinal adenocarcinoma in cats

Despite the fact that it is a tumor with a poor prognosis or a reserved prognosis, correctly performed surgery may allow the cat to live a few more years, even if there are metastases in the regional nodules. Learn more about other types of malignant feline tumors with our article on breast cancer in cats.

In some cases, supportive care such as nutritional management and hydration therapy is crucial to maintain the cat's quality of life post-surgery. These measures can help mitigate symptoms and improve overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach in treatment.

As with the vast majority of tumors, feline intestinal adenocarcinoma cannot be prevented in any significant way. If your cat has the genetic potential to be sensitive to tumors, they will have a greater potential of developing an intestinal cancer.

What we can do is try to ensure early detection. Early detection and early administration of treatment is the best chance for your cat's survival. If they have the risk factors which can predispose them to any type of gastrointestinal cancer, we need to ensure we have regular veterinary checkups. This can include periodic abdominal ultrasounds would be necessary, something that is not usually done routinely.

Moreover, maintaining a healthy diet and environment for your cat can contribute to their overall well-being and potentially reduce the stressors that might exacerbate underlying health issues. While not a direct preventive measure, these actions support the cat's immune system in fighting off various ailments.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Intestinal Adenocarcinoma in Cats, we recommend you visit our Intestinal problems category.