ABSTRACT: This article visits the subject of nasal lymphoma in cats, its incidence, presenting signs, treatment options and nursing care. Lymphosarcoma, or lymphoma, is a systemic, round-cell cancer, which arises from lymphoid tissues. Whilst multicentric lymphoma is more commonly diagnosed in dogs, it is more usual for cats to present with a specific anatomical site affected. Lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the nasal cavity, although nasal lymphoma is a relatively uncommon tumour. Nasal lymphoma is termed an extranodal lymphoma, commonly affecting older cats, and representing 5 – 10% of anatomic-specific lymphoma cases. Presenting signs are a consequence of the anatomical location of the tumour and its local effects. Diagnostics for nasal lymphoma follow a stepwise approach to initially establish a general health profile of the individual patient, as well as more specific modalities, including advanced imaging. A variety of treatment options may be employed and will depend on the grade and stage of the tumour, as well as any patient-specific factors. Nursing care of these patients may involve assistance with diagnostics, administration of prescribed treatments, comfort management, nutritional planning and/or assisted feeding and providing owner advice/support.
Author
Linda Ryan (Roberts) VTS (Oncology) DipAVN (Medical)
KPA-CTP RVN
Linda Ryan (Roberts) is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology and holds a Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Medical). She is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behaviour. Linda’s specialist interests in oncology extend to all aspects of medical nursing, including behavioural health and welfare and maintenance of optimum quality of life in chronically ill patients.
Keywords: Clinical, Nasal, Lymphosarcoma
To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 28 (09) • September 2013 • pp284-287
To gain access to this article, select one of the links below: