What are the symptoms of mast cell tumors in cats?
Skin MCTs are usually detected by owners as solitary, raised, firm, hairless lumps on the skin. These lesions are often white, or less commonly pink. Other forms that have been described include flat, plaque-like lesions. Approximately 20% of cats with MCTs will have multiple nodules and about 25% will have some ulceration of the masses present. In contrast to dogs, the head and neck are the most common sites for MCTs in the cat, followed by the trunk, limbs, and other miscellaneous sites. Tumors located on the head often involve the base of the ear and rarely affect the mouth. Affected cats are usually otherwise healthy. Cats with disseminated (scattered) MCTs (e.g. in the spleen or intestine) will often show symptoms such as depression, anorexia, weight loss, and intermittent vomiting. Intestinal MCTs will also often cause bloody stools and fever. Upon physical examination, the spleen and intestines may reveal present masses. Additional symptoms may be present due to the release of g
