Cat Skin Tumor

Any growth in or on your cat’s skin should be examined by your veterinarian. Most skin tumors, such as the three shown, are benign, but any growth that increases in size rapidly and infiltrates the surrounding tissue may indicate malignancy. Early surgical removal is curative for the majority of skin tumors. There are three types of skin tumors which are Lipoma, Sebaceous Cysts, and Sebaceous Adenoma.

Lipoma

The more common term for this growth is “fatty tumor.” It grows under the skin. But you can feel it. A lipoma can get very large, although it grows slowly. Again, it should move freely because it does not spread to surrounding cells.

Sebaceous Cyst

This is similar to a lipoma in that it is a freely moving growth under the skin. However, this cyst is composed of cheese-like matter and remains fairly small, about the size of a marble. This, too, does not harm adjacent tissue.

Sebaceous Adenoma

This skin growth looks very much like a cauliflower: there are several small clumps of grayish matter growing from a common base. If the adenoma gets irritated, it may become red and ulcerated. You should be able to get your fingers around the growth because it does not infiltrate adjacent tissue.

Types of Cat Skin Tumors

The following are the common forms of skin lumps and tumors that may develop on the skin surface of your pet cat.

Abscess – The abscess lumps are characterized by the accumulation of pus. In cats, they mainly develop out of the wounds of insect bites rather than bacterial invasion. The abscess caused due to the bacteria may be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, and depression. The surface of the abscess is crusty and hard. These lumps are often surgically treated by lancing and flushing out the pus. Antibiotics may also be administered for healing the infection.

Dermatitis – The development of tumors due to the incidence of allergic and irritant dermatitis is generally because of the overdosage of antibiotics, exposure to metals like nickel, materials like rubber, wool, plastic, and chemicals like dyes, carpet deodorizers, and other objects like poison ivy. In severe cases, itching and subsequent hair loss are the effects of the disease. The skin becomes red with multiple small bumps. You are recommended to keep your cat away from allergens. The usage of steroids and antihistamines may help to recover from the disease to a great extent.

Apocrine Sweat Gland Cyst – This disease rarely occurs in cats. The tumors are characterized by having a round smooth surface, mildly bluish as it is filled up with a watery substance. The tumor generally occurs in the regions like the head, leg, and limbs. Often the tumors are tested for biopsy and may be removed through surgery.

Basal Cell Tumors – These tumors may slowly grow and may turn into cancerous ones. The fluid-filled nodule may ulcerate if growing in the regions like the head, neck, and chest region. Generally taken for biopsy and can be surgically removed.

Being a responsible pet owner you are recommended to check the skin of your pet cat regularly. Take your cat to a vet clinic in case you find a tumor that has not healed and is gradually growing in size.

See more: Cat Skin Diseases