{"id":645584,"date":"2024-10-10T13:04:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T17:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=645584"},"modified":"2024-11-04T08:23:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T13:23:16","slug":"basal-cell-tumors-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/basal-cell-tumors-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Basal Cell Tumors in Cats: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis & Care (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nWhat Is a Basal Cell Tumor?<\/a>
\nSigns<\/a>
\nCauses<\/a>
\nDiagnosis<\/a>
\nTreatment<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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Our pets are a wonderful source of affection, companionship, entertainment, and stress relief, but they can also make us worry. Despite the many steps we take and the measures we put in place to make sure we are giving our cats the very best care, there will always be illnesses that are completely out of our control, and cancer continues to be one of them.<\/p>\n

There are several types of cancer that can affect our feline companions, and basal cell tumors are one of the most common skin tumors in cats. The good news is that more than 90% of these are benign.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at basal cell tumors in cats, including how to recognize them and how they are treated.<\/p>\n

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What Is a Basal Cell Tumor?<\/h2>\n

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells, with the type of tumor determined by the type of cells involved. Why tumors form is still not fully understood, but once they begin, the abnormal cells continue to grow and replicate. Some are limited to a single, contained area, also known as benign tumors. Meanwhile, malignant tumors (cancer) invade surrounding tissues and structures and may spread (metastasize) to different parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.<\/p>\n

Basal cell tumors form from the basal cell layer of the epidermis. In most cases, these tumors are benign and do not grow beyond the basal cell layer in the area where they started. In approximately 10% of cases, the tumor will grow and replicate beyond the basal cell layer and into the surrounding tissues. This is known as malignant basal cell carcinoma (BCC).<\/p>\n

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Where Are the Signs of a Basal Cell Tumor?<\/h2>\n

Although basal cell tumors can grow anywhere on the skin, they are most common on the head, neck, and shoulders. They can range from 0.4 inches to over 4 inches in diameter and are usually firm, raised, hairless, or may develop from a stalk.<\/p>\n

BCC lesions are not usually raised but appear as irritated, ulcerated lesions on the head, neck, or legs. Although BCCs will grow and spread into the surrounding skin, they do not tend to metastasize.<\/p>\n

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, we recommend getting in touch with a vet for guidance.<\/p>\n

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What Causes Basal Cell Tumors?<\/h2>\n

We do not fully understand how or why basal cell tumors form. There may be several predisposing factors, including viral infections, age, genetics, sun exposure, and breed. Long and medium-haired cats, such as Persians<\/a>, Himalayan<\/a>, and Angoras<\/a>, have a higher incidence of basal cell tumors compared with other breeds.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Eleanor McDonie, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How Are Basal Cell Tumors Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n

Depending on the size and location of the growth, a diagnosis may be made using:<\/p>\n

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