Lymphoma

f felis

Contributor(s):

William Brewer Jr

Laura Garrett

Irene Rochlitz

Synonym(s): Malignant lymphoma, Lymphosarcoma, LSA

Introduction

Cats have a higher incidence of lymphoma than dogs (20-30% of all tumors in cats).
Lymphoid neoplasia accounts for an incidence of 200 per 100,000 cats at risk and is 90% of all feline hemopoietic neoplasms.
Lymphoma can originate in any organ or tissue containing lymphocytes:
- Alimentary Alimentary tract: neoplasia.
- Multicentric.
- Mediastinal Mediastinal lymphoma.
- CNS/Spinal Spinal neoplasia.
- Renal Kidney: neoplasia.
- Other:
  - Nasal Nasal cavity: neoplasia.
  - Cutaneous Skin: lymphocytic neoplasia.
  - Ocular.
Cause: some forms associated with FeLV infection (only 25% of cases in a recent report which represents a decrease over previous years).
Signs: depend on form, eg malaise, weight loss, respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea.
Diagnosis: cytology, histopathology.
Treatment: cytotoxic drugs, surgery if alimentary and obstructed; radiation therapy for nasal, rapid reduction of large problematic masses such as mediastinal form and consolidation therapy following chemotherapy, surgery for ocular.
Prognosis: Poor if no treatment.
Print off the owner factsheet Feline lymphoma Feline lymphoma to give to your client.

Related to FeLV infection Feline leukemia virus disease.
Possible development of alimentary (intestinal) lymphoma in cats with lymphocytic enteritis Lymphocytic / plasmacytic enteritis.
Recent reports suggest that FIV infection may be implicated in some forms.

Malignant proliferation of lymphoid cells arising in any area containing lymphoid tissue → focal or diffuse masses in intestine, skin, thymus or lymph nodes → progresses to extranodal sites, eg liver, spleen, bone marrow.
Stage 1Neoplasia: TNM staging:
- Single tumor.
Stage 2:
- Single tumor and regional lymph node involvement.
- Two single tumors on same side of diaphragm.
- Resectable gastrointestinal lesion.
Stage 3:
- Two single tumors on opposite sides of diaphragm.
- Inoperable intra-abdominal mass.
- Spinal neoplasia.
Stage 4:
- Stage 1-3 plus liver/spleen involvement.
Stage 5:
- Stage 2-4 plus CNS or bone marrow involvement (leukemic).