How do I know if my cat has ear cancer?
How do I know if my cat has ear cancer?
The most common clinical signs of pets with ear canal tumors include an inflamed, itchy and painful ear, persistent odorous discharge (that can be waxy, pus-filled, or bloody), head shaking, and ear scratching. Sometimes pets will shake or scratch hard enough to cause an ear hematoma (a blood blister).
How long do cats live with ear cancer?
If the treatment was administered quickly enough and the cancer has not spread, prognosis for cats with squamous cell carcinoma is generally positive. Cats with ear canal tumors usually survive for about a year following aggressive surgery.
What are the symptoms of a tumor in the ear?
Symptoms
- Hearing loss, usually gradually worsening over months to years — although in rare cases sudden — and occurring on only one side or more severe on one side.
- Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear.
- Unsteadiness or loss of balance.
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Facial numbness and weakness or loss of muscle movement.
What causes ear tumors in cats?
The exact cause of ear tumors in cats is unknown, however, these tumors are believed to be the result of long-term ear canal inflammation caused by chronic infection. It is thought that this chronic inflammation may lead to abnormal development and growth of the ear tissues, causing a tumor to form.
Are ear polyps painful?
If an ear polyp goes untreated, it often interferes with an ear’s normal function, resulting in waxy buildup and chronic infections. This can be smelly and painful for your pet. The physical presence of the polyp can be irritating, and, if in the right location, interfere with hearing or balance.
Do ear polyps hurt?
The discharge may be bloody or have pus. The polyp may block his ear canal and cause some hearing loss. Your child may also have ear pain.
Do ear tumors hurt?
The lump can be painless or an ulcer might develop in the center of the lump. The ulcer later bleeds and becomes painful. These tumors can spread to the inside of the ear but rarely other parts of the body.
Are ear tumors painful?
Bloody discharge from the inner ear is the most common symptom for middle ear cancer, but other symptoms include: Inability to move the face on the affected side of ear. Earache (pain) inside the ear. Hearing loss.
Can a cat live with ear polyps?
The prognosis for inflammatory polyps is good, with most cases resolving with therapy. It is very rare for an inflammatory polyp to result in death. Recurrence rates may be high, however, and traction may need to be repeated or a bulla osteotomy performed for long term control.
What kind of cancer does a cat have in the ear?
In rare cases, tumors can occur in the inner or middle ear. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical for the cat’s survival. Two primary forms of cancer that affect the ears of cats are squamous cell carcinoma and ear canal tumors.
How can I see my cat’s ear canal?
Less invasive surgery can be done with a laser and a video otoscope (a special type of camera that allows veterinarians to see the ear canal). This is helpful in most cases unless there is involvement of the round bone behind the ear.
Can a tumor in the ear canal be benign?
Benign or malignant tumors that develop from the modified earwax glands (called ceruminous glands) in the external ear canal occur occasionally in middle-aged or older cats. These tumors are more likely to be malignant than benign, especially in cats more than 11 years old.
What kind of tumors are found in cats?
The most common external ear canal masses reported in cats are nasopharyngeal polyps, squamous cell carcinomas, and earwax gland tumors. Lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinomas are occasionally seen in the middle or inner ear of cats.
