Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors) in Cats

Overview of Liver Cancer in Cats

Hepatic neoplasia is cancer of the liver. The words cancer, neoplasia or neoplasm, and tumor are often used interchangeably. Neoplasia in the liver may be the result of a primary liver tumor (one that originates in the liver), hemolymphatic cancer (arising from blood cells or lymphoid tissue) that involves the liver, or metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread to the liver from other organs).

The most common form of liver cancer in cats is metastatic disease. Primary liver cancer is rare, comprising less than two percent of all cancer seen in these species. When it does occur, the most common primary liver tumors seen in cats are hepatocellular carcinomas, which are malignant tumors that arise from the liver cells, and hepatocellular adenomas or hepatomas, which are benign tumors that arise from the liver cells.

The cause of primary liver cancer may be related to environmental factors. Exposure to carcinogens, or cancer-causing chemicals, may increase the risk of cancer development. Many chemicals are not toxic until they are metabolized by the liver. The liver serves an important role in detoxifying many substances circulating in the body. However, some chemicals are made more toxic after they have been broken down by the liver. Examples of possible carcinogens include toxins produced by fungi that are sometimes associated with spoiled pet food, food additives, certain pesticides, dyes, plants and animal tissue. Viral infections have been associated with hepatic cancer in humans. This has not been shown in cats.

Primary liver cancer is most common in pets greater than 10 years of age. There is a slightly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in males compared to females.

The impact of the disease on the pet will vary depending on the tumor type. Benign tumors do not spread and generally do not cause illness unless they are physically impinging on other abdominal organs, or if they rupture and bleed. Occasionally, large benign liver tumors cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) by probable release of insulin-like substances. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, and is normally produced by the pancreas.

What to Watch For

Malignant tumors carry a much graver prognosis as these are aggressive disease processes and often have evidence of widespread involvement by the time of diagnosis. Just as other tumors can metastasize to the liver, primary liver tumors can metastasize to other organs. The symptoms are often vague and non-specific.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer in Cats

Treatment of Liver Cancer in Cats

Home Care and Prevention

Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Monitor your pet for abdominal distension, pale gums, extreme weakness, anorexia, vomiting or diarrhea.

Feed a high quality pet food and provide proper storage to insure freshness of the food. Discard any food that appears to be spoiled.

In-depth Information on Feline Hepatic Neoplasia (Liver Tumors)

Although hepatocellular tumors and tumors of the biliary tract are the most common primary liver tumors in cats, other tumor types may also occur. These include:

Hemolymphatic tumors that often involve the liver include:

The liver is the most common organ involved in metastatic disease, or spread of malignant cancer. Many tumor types may metastasize to the liver. Because the symptoms of hepatic neoplasia are often quite vague, there are any number of other disease processes that may cause similar signs. In cases of metastatic disease, the signs are often related to the site of the primary cancer. Generally the initial diagnostic work-up allows recognition of some type of liver problem. Other liver diseases that may cause similar symptoms include:

Diagnosis In-depth

Therapy In-depth

Therapy for the common primary hepatic neoplasms includes:

Follow-up Care for Cats with Liver Cancer

Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not rapidly improve.