Oral tumors in cats are abnormal tissue that can develop in various parts of the mouth, including the gum tissue, bone, connective tissues, tongue, oral mucosa, palate, and lips. These tumors can range from benign (non-cancerous) to malignant (cancerous), and can vary in size, location, and aggressiveness.
Types of Feline Oral Tumors
1. Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinomas are malignant tumors that commonly affect the gums, tongue, and tonsils. These tumors can be locally invasive and have the potential to spread to nearby tissues.
2. Fibrosarcoma: Fibrosarcomas are tumors that develop from fibrous tissue and can occur in the oral cavity. These tumors can be locally aggressive and may recur after surgical removal if the tumor is not completely excised.
3. Odontogenic tumors: Odontogenic tumors are benign tumors that originate from the tissues around the root or gums. While most of these tumors are non-cancerous, they can grow to a size that interferes with eating or causes discomfort. A subset of these, known as an acanthomatous ameloblastoma, can also be very locally destructive.
4. Eosinophilic granuloma: Eosinophilic granulomas are tumors that are inflammatory in origin. While these are considered benign and non-cancerous, they can be very locally painful and destructive. These are often a secondary result of a hypersensitivity reaction.
5. Melanoma: Melanomas are tumors that originate from pigment-producing cells and are often highly malignant. Malignant melanomas can be aggressive and may metastasize to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of oral tumors in cats may include:
- Swelling or masses in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Weight loss
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Oral pain or discomfort
- Changes in behavior or appetite
Diagnosis and Treatment
Oral tumors in cats are typically diagnosed through a thorough physical examination, oral examination under sedation or anesthesia, advanced imaging, and especially biopsy of the tumor for definitive diagnosis.
Treatment for oral tumors will depend on the type of tumor, its location, size, and whether it is benign or malignant. Treatment options may include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, and palliative care to manage symptoms and improve the cat’s quality of life.
Consult a Houston Cat Dentist
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Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/10/2025). Photo by Yerlin Matu on Unsplash