How do you detect skin cancer in a cat?

Can cats get skin cancer? Because I think my cat may be developing it. He has this one spot on his back that is especially dandruffy, and it is dry and the fur is getting thinner, and whenever you touch right there he starts licking his chest, and basicly freaking out. I love my cat dearly and want to help him.|||Go to a vet|||My former cat had the same exact symptoms! He had lots of dandruff and I discovered a cancerous looking little dark mole (uneven edges) that was leaking grey matter on his back. We found 4 large tumors (1-neck, 2-stomach, 1-lung). I had to put him to sleep. Get him checked ASAP! Report Abuse
|||Hi there...cats can get skin cancer, however there are many types (please see weblink below to read the long list). It%26#039;s difficult to be conclusive if your cat has skin cancer without a veterinary examination as blood tests need to be done in addition to a physical exam. Cancer cells alter the normal levels of blood cells (white and red) so if cancer is present this would be more definitive.





There%26#039;s also the possibility your cat may have worms (tapeworm or roundworm), a fungus infection or allergies to his food (which can develop even if they%26#039;ve been eating the same thing for years). Again, the condition you have described makes it quite difficult to lend you a possible diagnosis as only a vet would be more qualified. Everyone may mean well here in Yahoo Answers, however anyone who suggests something may actually cause your kitty more harm rather than help.





May I suggest that you personally call your cat%26#039;s vet (your parents do not have to if you are asking a question). Ask them how you could best persuade your folks to bring your kitty in to be examined by explaining your concern. If they feel the cat needs to come, maybe you could have them call your parents and discuss his well being.





I hope you will be able to get him relief soon. I know you love your kitty bunches, but please don%26#039;t rely on the Yahoo Answers as much as a vets. A vet is a medical professional trained to treat injured or sick animals best.|||Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the skin. Exposure to sunlight is one trigger-factor for this cancer and it is seen more commonly in white cats, ...








for help


www.fabcats.org/cancer1.html - 36k|||Cats do get skin cancer. On their pink noses and their ears. Especially white cats -- they should never go outside.





I have lots of precancerous lesions on my skin and have had three or four skin cancers. I go to the dermatologist regularly to have my skin checked.





It does not sound like your cat has a skin cancer. They do not develop these on their bellies or underneath the protection of their fur. I don%26#039;t think you have any reason to worry about that.





As to what it might be only a vet could give you an idea. I don%26#039;t think it sounds serious at all.|||1. Examine your cat%26#039;s skin monthly, looking for tumors, blemishes, scaly areas or color changes.





2. Be concerned if you find new growths, or if any existing growths change colors or become larger.





3. Note any areas that bleed easily or do not heal normally - these may mean trouble.





4. Groom your cat daily with a fine-tooth comb to help you notice small changes early.





5. Massage your cat often, feeling for masses or other suspicious areas. Fingers often find things that you will not see because of the hair coat.





6. Look closely at your cat%26#039;s eyelids and lips and inside his mouth for irregular areas or color changes. If your cat%26#039;s nose or ears are white, check them closely for scaly, bumpy or reddened areas.





7. Report any suspicious findings to your veterinarian.





Tips:


Orange tabby cats often develop smooth dark spots on their lips and eyelids as they age that are not cancerous.





Chronic infections from cat-fight wounds that will not heal may resemble skin cancer.|||You should take him to the vet. He probably just has an infection or fungus that can easily be treated.|||what?|||ask your vet .. dont u think that would make sense?