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The most common oral tumor seen in cats is squamous cell carcinoma; the second most common is fibrosarcoma. This handout discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of oral tumors in cats.
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Osteosarcomas are somewhat rare in cats and progress slowly. Osteosarcoma is very painful. The most common location where osteosarcomas develop in cats is the hindlimb. Amputation is by far the most common treatment. Chemotherapy is not generally pursued without evidence of metastasis, given the relatively long-term control with surgery alone.
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The ovary contains several different cell types. These include the germ cells, which make the eggs, the supporting (stromal) and hormone-producing cells as well as epithelium, connective tissue and blood vessels.
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The pancreas is a glandular organ located close to the liver, the stomach, and the small intestine. It has two main functions, an exocrine function and an endocrine function.
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A “tumor” is a lump. Not all are cancerous. Panniculitis is usually visible as a lump but it is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue and is not cancerous.
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The four parathyroid glands (two on each side) are closely associated with the thyroid gland, located just below the larynx or “voice box” in the neck.
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Pituitary macroadenomas are large tumors of the pituitary gland that are either functional (secrete hormones) or non-functional (do not secrete hormones). The clinical signs depend on the type of macroadenoma, though become severe over time in either case. Diagnosis requires specialized CT or MRI imaging. This handout explains the effects of macroadenomas in cats and the treatment options available.
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The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. Endocrine glands produce specialized chemicals called hormones, which regulate and integrate many activities to maintain internal stability of the body.
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Plasma cells (plasmacytes) are specialized cells that function as part of the body’s immune system. They are formed from ‘B’- type lymphocytes.
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Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Fluid accumulates in the pleural sac, not the lungs, so the lungs are essentially floating in a chest full of fluid. This fluid occupies space within the chest, so the lungs cannot expand as fully as they should. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause.