Tumor in the tongue

Hi guys,

I haven't been writing for a long time, just lurking regularly. Still here, though.

Now I could really use some advice/experiences. Usva's breath began stinking a while ago, I assumed she just needed her teeth cleaned and took her to a vet. Instead of bad teeth an infected lump was found under her tongue. The biopsy was inconlusive, necrosis and what probably but not positively are cancer cells.

The vet doesn't have any experience over this type of thing in cats and frankly doesn't seem very interested at all. He wanted to put her to sleep, despite that Usva isn't sick in any way, at least yet. She's eating and seems completely happy and normal. Right now she's treated with antibiotics for the infection.

I'm calling a cat specialist tomorrow, but some layman insights would be helpful. Does anyone have any experience on tumors of the tongue? How likely is it to be malignant for an 8-year old cat? How long does she most likely have, assuming it really is cancer? Does it show clearly when the cat is beginning to be in pain? Will there be pain?

Aww, I really can't handle this right now. I just lost Timotei to IMHA on April.

We put are cat down last Friday because of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Her jaw swelled up over a couple weeks and she stopped eating her food. Her mouth and throat were infected. If she starts to not eat as much and drools out of her mouth I'd get it looked at. Are cat was 17 years old so being young it could be something else. I hope this helps a little.... Wish you luck on getting this cured.

Thank you. As I said, so far she's been eating well and seems happy, but of course I'll keep an eye on her.

I'm sorry to hear about Usva. My first thought was also squamous cell carcinoma, as Jamie's "auntie" died of that not all too long ago. She was in her teens, but as far as I know it can affect cats of any age. Hopefully it isn't that. On the other hand, one of my mom's dogs developed three nasty, smelly tumors in his mouth this year. I had them removed and biopsied while I was there this past summer, and they turned out to be benign. They became infected and smelly due to irritation.
for Usva, and for you!

Hi I was thinking of Squamous Cell too, my cat pickles had/has that but it was in his ear. I would have it checked, as when we had pickles checked back in 2004 and found out that was what it was, it is a progressive fast moving cancer. We are lucky he is still here with us. Although he has other issues now (just posted about what is going on now). I hope everything works out for you and will be thinking of you and your furry friend. Take care, and let us know.

Thank you jcat and l.trant. The specialist told me it's most likely malignant too. There's about a 10% chance it's benign. We'll probably take a new biopsy after we get the infection out of the way. On the other hand I woudn't like to cause Usva unnecessary pain.

According to the specialist Usva probably has a few months to live. My poor girl, she has been my best friend for 7 years.

Just wanted to let you know your in my thoughts. Sending good vibes your way.

Well, this is it. Usva has begun to be in pain. She suddenly stopped eating and went really quiet, and when I gave her some painkillers, she started to eat again and is a lot more perky.

I've decided she'll be put to sleep tomorrow. I don't want to keep her going on with medicine, when there's no chance of getting better. It would be for me, not for her. It's the hardest decision of my life.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts.

Sorry to hear...I went through the same thing a couple weeks ago.

Originally Posted by Ryn

Well, this is it. Usva has begun to be in pain. She suddenly stopped eating and went really quiet, and when I gave her some painkillers, she started to eat again and is a lot more perky.

I've decided she'll be put to sleep tomorrow. I don't want to keep her going on with medicine, when there's no chance of getting better. It would be for me, not for her. It's the hardest decision of my life.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts.

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Am know absolutely nothing on this problem,although have had two cats with different cancer tumours,and many rats slain by this horrible disease as well.

Is there no way a cat could live a good life without having part of the tongue removed [the part affected] unless it's too far back?
Am just wondering,because they do this for humans,it would be good if substitute tongues were available,have heard of ducks who have been shot through the beak having full beak implants before.

Although Usva is young,Blackie wasn't that much older when she developed cancer,genetics probably play a strong part in this.

Hope Usva is not feeling bad at the moment.

I'm very sorry to hear that.