Lymphomas (lymphosarcoma)
General Information
Malignant lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The disease may involve only certain blood cells, or it may arise in the lymph nodes (glands) or other lymphatic tissues, such as in the spleen, digestive tract or bone marrow. The disease may remain in one lymph node or group of nodes, or spread to many other areas of the body. The disease is progressive and fatal after a variable time.
Chemotherapy combined with surgical removal of accessible tumors
is the most effective treatment. The goal of treatment is to control
progression of the disease and extend life with as few undesirable
side effects as possible. There are many forms of chemotherapy
used that vary widely in expense. Generally, the best chance of
the longest recovery period does involve using multiple agents
during the first course of treatement. There can never be a guarantee
of response and we do NOT expect to cure the disease. Depending
on the type and site of tumor we can give you "percentages"
of tumors of this type may respond. However, if finances prohibit
combined therapy I usually do recommend more limited treatment
with inexpensive drugs like prednisone. While many tumors will
not respond to prednisone many others will, in some cases for
a considerable period of time
Lymphosarcoma in Dogs
Understanding Your Pet's Medical Diagnosis
What is lymphosarcoma in the dog?
Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects specific white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes become cancerous and produce tumors, primarily in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and abdominal organs.
What causes lymphosarcoma in dogs?
A specific cause of lymphosarcoma in dogs has not been determined.
What are the signs of lymphosarcoma in dogs?
The signs of lymphosarcoma in dogs depend on the location of the tumors. Different forms of lymphosarcoma affect various body systems, such as the skin, eye, brain, spinal cord, heart, lungs, intestines, and kidneys. Common non-specific clinical signs seen in most forms of canine lymphosarcoma include lack of appetite, lethargy, depression, and weight loss. Additional clinical signs depend on the specific location of the tumors. Signs may include enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, difficulty swallowing, drooling, labored breathing, seizures, or inflammatory eye diseases.
How is lymphosarcoma diagnosed in dogs?
Lymphosarcoma in dogs is diagnosed upon a good medical history and a thorough physical examination. Additional diagnostic tests are performed, such as blood and urine testing. Specialized imaging techniques, such as radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound, can be used to identify abnormal masses or organ enlargement. A biopsy (surgical removal and examination of a tissue sample) from the mass or an affected lymph node can be performed to confirm the presence of lymphosarcoma.
How is lymphosarcoma treated in dogs?
The goals of treatment for lymphosarcoma in dogs are to induce remission of the cancer and to improve the patient's quality of life. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for all forms of lymphosarcoma in dogs. Surgical management rarely is successful. Due to the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy, regularly scheduled re-check examinations will be required to monitor the pet's response to treatment and to evaluate the overall health of the animal.
What is the prognosis for dogs with lymphosarcoma?
The prognosis (outcome) for dogs with lymphosarcoma is guarded.
Factors affecting the prognosis include the initial response to
therapy, location of the tumors, and the progression of the disease
at the time of treatment. Tumors located in large areas of the
skin or located in the brain have a poor response to treatment.
Lymphosarcoma in Cats
What is lymphosarcoma in cats?
Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects specific white blood cells called lymphocytes. The lymphocytes become cancerous and produce tumors, primarily in sites containing lymphatic tissues, such as lymph nodes.
What causes lymphosarcoma in cats?
Lymphosarcoma in cats is caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This virus is acquired through direct cat-to-cat transmission via bite wounds, grooming, shared litter boxes and dishes, or by spread from an infected mother cat (queen) to her kittens. Only some of the cats infected with feline leukemia virus will develop lymphosarcoma.
What are the signs of lymphosarcoma in cats?
The signs of feline lymphosarcoma depend on the location of the tumors. The tumors are classified according to their location in the body. Tumors associated with structures in the chest are classifed as "mediastinal lymphosarcoma." Tumors located along the gastrointestinal tract (from the stomach to the intestines) are classifed as "alimentary lymphosarcoma." Tumors located in the kidney are classified as "renal lymphosarcoma." The tumors may develop as single tumors (known as "solitary lymphosarcoma") or as multiple tumors throughout the body (known as "multicentric lymphosarcoma").
Common non-specific clinical signs seen in most forms of feline lymphosarcoma include lack of appetite, lethargy, depression, and weight loss. Other clinical signs will depend on the location of the tumors. Cats with the "mediastinal lymphosarcoma" often have difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, coughing, and regurgitation. The clinical signs associated with the "alimentary lymphosarcoma" include vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Cats with "renal lymphosarcoma" may exhibit signs associated with kidney failure such as vomiting, increased frequency of urination (polyuria), and increased thirst (polydipsia). Cats with the solitary form of lymphosarcoma will exhibit different clinical signs, depending on location of the tumor. For example, cats with a nasal tumor may sneeze frequently and have a nasal discharge. Cats with a spinal cord tumor may have an abnormal gait or hind limb paralysis. Usually the clinical signs associated with the multicentric form of lymphosarcoma are non-specific (such as lack of appetite, weight loss, depression), are progressive, and may not appear until late in the disease.
How is lymphosarcoma diagnosed in cats?
Lymphosarcoma is diagnosed in cats through a good medical history, a thorough physical examination, and diagnostic testing. The diagnostic testing will include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, urinalysis, and test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Specialized imaging techniques such as radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound can be used to identify abnormal masses or organ enlargement in the chest or abdomen. A biopsy (surgical removal and examination of a tissue sample) from the mass or an affected lymph node can be performed to confirm the presence of lymphosarcoma.
How is lymphosarcoma treated in cats?
The goals of treatment for lymphosarcoma in cats are to induce remission of the cancer and to improve the patient's quality of life. Specific treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy depending on the type of lymphosarcoma, Regularly scheduled re-check examinations will be required to assess the cat's response to treatment and to evaluate the overall health of the animal.
What is the prognosis for cats with lymphosarcoma?
The prognosis (outcome) for cats with lymphosarcoma is guarded. Factors affecting the prognosis include the cat's initial response to therapy, location of the tumors, and the progression of the disease at the time of treatment.
Important Points in Treatment
1. A complete physical examination, with blood tests and radiographs (x-rays), is necessary to properly plan treatment for your pet.
2. Various blood tests are necessary during chemotherapy to determine the effectiveness of treatment and monitor the development of any undesirable side effects.
3. Give all the medication as directed and on schedule. Call the doctor if you cannot complete any treatments.
4. Diet: A well-balanced diet is essential to recovery. Feed
as follows:
5. Activity: Your pet's activity will be regulated somewhat by
its sense of well-being. Do not allow your pet to exercise to
the point of fatigue.
6. Special instructions:
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your pet's lymph nodes enlarge.
* Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.
* Your pet has blood in the stool or urine.
* Your pet's gums or eyes bleed.
* Your pet refuses to eat.
* Your pet seems uncomfortable or in pain.
The majority of the information in this page is has been taken from VetMedCenter.com. For further information about this useful source of informtion follow the link or look, on the internet, at www.vetmedcenter.com.