Tracheal cancer
What are tracheal tumors?
Trachea refers to the tube that carries air to the lungs. Several different types of primary tracheal cancer have been
reported, including lymphoma, chnodrosarcoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Trachea can also be
the site to which other cancers spread, namely thyroid adenocarcinoma or lymphoma.
.
Source: www.infovisual.info/02/069_en.html
How common are these tumors?
Cancer in the trachea is rare in cats and dogs.
What are the symptoms?
Pets with tracheal cancer usually show signs of coughing and exercise intolerance.
How is the diagnosis made?
In order to confirm cancer of the trachea, the veterinarian will have to do a biopsy with the help of fiberoptic instruments or
bronchoscope (a tube is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth). Alternatively, open surgical biopsy
with or without excision can be done.
Do these tumors cause pain?
It is imperative that pets with cancer are provided with pain medication to relieve discomfort caused by the disease as well
as by the treatments. To learn more, please visit the Cancer Pain Management section.
What food should be fed to pets with cancer?
Pets with cancer need to be fed diets specifically designed to support a cancer patient. To learn more, please visit the
Cancer Nutrition section.
What are the treatment options?
Tracheal tumors are usually treated by surgery.
What is the prognosis?
Benign lesions of the trachea have a good prognosis if they can be surgically removed. Because these cancers are rare,
there is not much information available on the prognosis of malignant tracheal cancers.
Are there any clinical trials?
There are no clinical trials specifically designed to treat this type of cancer but please click here to check if your pet may
qualify for clinical trials for general malignancy.
Sources:
Trachea refers to the tube that carries air to the lungs. Several different types of primary tracheal cancer have been
reported, including lymphoma, chnodrosarcoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Trachea can also be
the site to which other cancers spread, namely thyroid adenocarcinoma or lymphoma.
.
Source: www.infovisual.info/02/069_en.html
How common are these tumors?
Cancer in the trachea is rare in cats and dogs.
What are the symptoms?
Pets with tracheal cancer usually show signs of coughing and exercise intolerance.
How is the diagnosis made?
In order to confirm cancer of the trachea, the veterinarian will have to do a biopsy with the help of fiberoptic instruments or
bronchoscope (a tube is inserted into the airways, usually through the nose or mouth). Alternatively, open surgical biopsy
with or without excision can be done.
Do these tumors cause pain?
It is imperative that pets with cancer are provided with pain medication to relieve discomfort caused by the disease as well
as by the treatments. To learn more, please visit the Cancer Pain Management section.
What food should be fed to pets with cancer?
Pets with cancer need to be fed diets specifically designed to support a cancer patient. To learn more, please visit the
Cancer Nutrition section.
What are the treatment options?
Tracheal tumors are usually treated by surgery.
What is the prognosis?
Benign lesions of the trachea have a good prognosis if they can be surgically removed. Because these cancers are rare,
there is not much information available on the prognosis of malignant tracheal cancers.
Are there any clinical trials?
There are no clinical trials specifically designed to treat this type of cancer but please click here to check if your pet may
qualify for clinical trials for general malignancy.
Sources:
- Withrow Stephen J, and David M. Vail. Small Animal Clinical Oncology. St Louis: Saunders Elsevier, 2007.
- Morrison Wallace B. Cancer in Dogs and Cats: Medical and Surgical Management. Baltimore: Williams&Wilkins,
1998.
| PET CANCER CENTER Comprehensive guide to cancer diagnosis and treatment in cats and dogs |
© 2007 Pet Cancer Center. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Last updated 11/11/07
Please make a donation to support our goals of funding veterinary cancer research and
continuing to provide free online resources for pet owners
continuing to provide free online resources for pet owners
