Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Feline Cancer-Squamous Cell Cancer Is Lethal When Unnoticed

While at the veterinarian you noticed that she
studied your cats face, stroking its nose and
gently rubbing its ears. Your vet was searching
for tiny, scabby sores the could indicate feline
cancer. Squamous cell cancer can rapidly spread
when left untreated. Here's how to prevent it and
also signs of this feline cancer in your cat.

Squamous cells are flat, scale-like cells that
are on the tissue that lines the external and
internal surface of the organs in you cat. Their
purpose is to protect the underlying tissue and
to facilitate nutrient exchange.

Skin tumors in cats are the second most common
feline cancer. Lymphoma is number one. Here is
the list of most frequently diagnosed skin
cancers in cats:
1. Basal cell tumors
2. Mast cell cancer
3. Fibrosarcoma
4. Squamous cell cancer(SCC)

While squamous cell cancer ranked fourth that
doesn't make it any less lethal than the others.
Usually some kind of physical trauma provides a
playing field for SCC. Burns and excessive
exposure to sunlight are a common cause. The
ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages your
cat's DNA, the cells divide and multiply and
tumors result.

No surprise that lightly pigmented or white cats
with areas that are sparsely haired are prone to
SCC and basal cell cancer. When the disease
begins you can find sores in several places on
your cat: her temple area; the outer tips of her
ears; the eyelids; lips and the end of her nose.

Sometimes feline cancer tumors in the oral cavity
of your cat. It's believed that these lesions are
related to chronic dental disease.

Some times squamous cell cancer cells are found
in your cat's liver, lungs and other internal
organs.Though not proven, the medical consensus
is that this cancer is related to environmental
carcinogens-secondary tobacco smoke. Some
associate the cancer to exposure to chemicals in
flea collars.

External SCC lesions are small and irregularly
shaped with a hard border. The area aournd the
sore may be pink and show hair loss. The sore may
be oozing fluid. Sometimes this seems to
disappear and then it comes back to the same
area, but larger and more oozy. Eventually the
cancerous cells will metastasize to a lymph node,
from there spread to the rest of the body.

If your vet suspects squamous cell cancer she
will confirm it with a biopsy. Sometimes the
cancerous area is excised surgically or treated
with radiation therapy. Some veterinarians use
cryotherapy which destroys the cancerous cells by
freezing them.

In more advanced cases, 3 weeks of aggressive
radiation treatments may help. However, if the
feline cancer has spread to internal organs there
is little your vet can do. That's why prevention
and early recognition of squamous cell cancer in
cats is vital.

Prevention Tips
1. Protect your cat from excessive exposure to
sunlight;
2. Don't use flea collars, instead opt for a
natural alternative or a topical treatment from
your vet;
3. If you must, do your smoking outside and avoid
subjecting your cat to secondary smoke risks. She
not only breaths in your smoke, but licks it off
her fur;
4. Have you vet check your cat for dental
problems;
5. Look for sores on your cat's ears, eyelids,
lips and nose. If you don't know what caused them
take her to the vet for a diagnosis.
6. If you cat develops bad breath, drools
excessively, or shows weight loss get her to the
vet.

You may also want to investigate a natural
supplement that boosts your cat's immunity to
promote healing and helps her fight off
illnesses. You wouldn't be reading this if you
didn't love her dearly and want to give her the
best chances for a long life.

----------------------------------------------------
Kate Rieger is partnered with the Kentucky
S.N.I.P clinic to provide affordable homeopathic
alternatives for pet owners. Visit her site
http://www.Better-Pet-Health.com to find out more
about a natural supplements to boost immunity in
your pets.

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