cat fibrosarcoma treatment
Barney (male neutered American shorthair 14years old), our male cat had a quarter size mass on right flank which was diagnosed as vaccine associated fibrosarcoma. Surgery was done in December 2004 to remove the tumor. Pathology for determination of clear margins was done after surgery and a few neoplastic strands were still present.
He’s done very well since and is alert and active. He’s developed several small nodules in the same area and a new mass up on his back spine area. We just took Barney back to the vet suregeon who did the original surgery and he is recommending a second surgery to remove the new nodules and mass. He did blood work and urinealysis but di not do a needle biopsy.
Our question is at age 14 and with a tumor that is almost sure to reform following surgery – does it make sense at his age and with this type of tumor to put him through the surgery again.
If we don’t elect the surgery – can you give some guidnae on how the cancer would progress and the quality of life Barney would then be subject to. My understanding is that this type of tumor does not normally metastisize and would simply continue to grow and invade his connective tissue.
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