Lymphosarcoma
Lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer derived from cells in the body
called lymphocytes. These cells formed in the bone marrow and
are part of the white blood cell or immune system performing a
role in fighting infection. Lymphosarcoma may develop in a number
of locations through the body and can be spread via the blood
to other organs. It is more common in dogs than cats. Cats have
a higher risk of developing lymphosarcoma if they have been infected
with the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
The disease may appear in a variety of forms depending on where
the cancer originates. Generalized signs include fever , dehydrated
(insufficient fluid in the body), depression, anorexia (not wanting
to eat) and cachexia (rapid weight loss). In addition to these
signs there are four broad categories of lymphosarcoma that have
been established based on the location of the tumor.
Alimentary form- this type is mainly in the alimentary system
(gut). The tumor can form in the gut causing thickening or blockage
which can interfere with digestion and cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Mediastinal form- the mediastinum is an area within the chest
between the lungs containing the heart and through which the esophagus
(gullet) and blood vessels pass . When a lump grows within the
chest it may effect the heart and lungs. Large amounts of fluid
may also be produced within the chest cavity. The animal can have
dyspnoea (difficulty breathing), and coughing . They may regurgitate
food if the esophagus is involved.
Renal form- the cancer is based within the kidneys. This causes
polyuria (increased urination) and polydipsia (increased drinking)
and large or irregular shaped kidneys which may be felt during
a general examination.
Multicentric form- this form is spread throughout the body particularly
the lymph nodes (glands) causing them to visibly enlarge. The
most superficial glands are in the throat, lower neck, and behind
the stifle (knee). Occasionally the eyes will be effected producing
uveitis (inflammation in the eye) with the inside of the eye becoming
cloudy.
Advanced lymphosarcoma is often diagnosed once the tumor has spread
to a number of organs and the lymph nodes.
Diagnosis of lymphosarcoma can be difficult and involve radiology
(X-rays), blood tests, ultrasonography (ultrasound machine) and
surgical exploration to try to identify the presence of a mass.
Confirmation that the tumor is lymphosarcoma, as opposed to some
other form of cancer, requires biopsy which involves surgical
removal of a small piece of the affected tissue for examination
under a microscope
Lymphosarcoma may be treated as it is reasonably sensitive to
chemotherapy. This treatment offers extension of life and in some
cases remission however the process is both costly and time consuming
requiring considerable commitment from the owner. Chemotherapy
drugs not only attack the cancer cells but also affect some normal
cells in the body and so the overall health of the animal at the
beginning of treatment is an important consideration. There are
a number of chemotherapy treatment options available at specialist
veterinary practices. .
The chemotherapy drugs most commonly used:
Doxorubicin
Vincristine
Cyclophosphamide
Prednisolone
Related sites
Diagnosis and treatment
Owners perspective
Alternative Medicine
Use of Essiac
Dr Martha Gearhart
Detailed look at chemotherapy
Louisiana State Uni
Comparison of chemotherapy protcols
Lymphosarcoma image
Lymphosarcoma in cats
Oncolink site
Oakland Vet Referral
General information
