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Thymic Lymphoma: A Common Malignant Tumor in Cats
Among malignant tumors in cats, malignant lymphoma is considered the most common. Notably, thymic lymphoma has a high incidence rate.
It is believed that immune abnormalities are involved in its onset, and cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), particularly young infected cats, have a very high probability of developing the disease. Additionally, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, often referred to as cat AIDS) also increases the risk of lymphoma, with infected cats having more than 75 times the lymphoma risk compared to non-infected cats.
If infected with the virus, onset typically occurs between the ages of 1-3 years; if not infected, onset is commonly seen between 8-10 years.
Depending on its location, malignant lymphoma can be classified into five types:
・Multicentric Lymphoma
・Gastrointestinal Lymphoma
・Cutaneous Lymphoma
・Thymic (Mediastinal) Lymphoma
・Extranodal Lymphoma
Among these, gastrointestinal lymphoma and thymic (mediastinal) lymphoma have high incidence rates.
For more information on malignant lymphoma, please refer to the following link: ⇒Malignant Lymphoma in Cats
About Thymic (Mediastinal) Lymphoma
Thymic lymphoma refers to the proliferation of tumor cells in the thymus located within the chest, or in the mediastinum—a space surrounded by the lungs, thoracic vertebrae, and sternum. As it occurs within the thoracic cavity, respiratory symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and open-mouth breathing are observed. It is prevalent in young cats aged 2-3 years, with a tendency to occur at the back of the mediastinum. This type of lymphoma is particularly common in young cats that test positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FeLV, cat AIDS).
Tests and Treatments for Thymic (Mediastinal) Lymphoma
To definitively diagnose malignant lymphoma, two methods can be used: fine-needle aspiration (biopsy) to extract cells from the enlarged area, or surgical extraction of tissue. If the enlarged area is significant, sufficient cells can be obtained via fine-needle aspiration. However, if the enlarged area is small or insufficient cells are obtained, incorrect diagnostic results may occur.
Definitively diagnosing lymphoma is crucial before initiating aggressive treatments like chemotherapy. It is also important to classify the lymphoma as ‘low-grade’ (poorly differentiated, B-cell type) which progresses quickly but responds well to chemotherapy, or ‘high-grade’ (well-differentiated, T-cell type) which progresses slowly but is less responsive to chemotherapy.
For information on lymphoma tests and treatments, please visit this page: ⇒ Malignant Lymphoma in Cats
What to do if your cat is given a prognosis for thymic (mediastinal) lymphoma…
Things to confirm when recommended chemotherapy
When told, “Without treatment, the prognosis is 1-2 months,” it is natural to think that entrusting everything to your veterinarian is the only option. However, the involvement of the owner is crucial. The owner’s efforts significantly influence the treatment outcome and prognosis.
When told, “With chemotherapy, your cat may live for another six months; without it, 1-2 months,” this applies only if the chemotherapy works well and has minimal side effects.
We recommend consulting with your veterinarian about whether chemotherapy will definitely prolong life, whether it will affect your cat’s vitality due to side effects, and whether the effects will surely be beneficial.
Improve prognosis by boosting immunity
The main treatment for lymphoma is chemotherapy.
While chemotherapy inevitably has side effects, veterinarians often explain that “dogs and cats are less likely to experience side effects from chemotherapy.” However, this perception may be due to dogs and cats not being able to communicate feelings of nausea or fatigue, leading to the misconception that there are fewer side effects.
In fact, in almost 100% of the cases we consult, side effects from chemotherapy are observed. We have also experienced multiple cases where the side effects of chemotherapy expedited death.
If chemotherapy is started, your pet’s strength and immune function will almost certainly decline, so it’s advisable to take steps to mitigate these effects. First, provide a good diet to build strength so your cat doesn’t have to abandon treatment due to side effects. Additionally, maintain immune function.
Primarily, it is the immune system that plays the leading role in cancer suppression, while chemotherapy is merely supplementary. Consider alternative therapies and Cordy, Japanese-grown Cordyceps cultivated with a specific strain, for immune support.
Furthermore, for protecting liver function, it is advisable to use domestically produced SPF pig placenta extract, and for reducing inflammation, consider Krill Oil as a source of EPA/DHA.
It is clear that solely relying on chemotherapy is insufficient. It is important to combine it with complementary treatments to optimize outcomes.
When your beloved cat suffers from lymphoma, it is crucial to take steps to boost their immunity, regardless of whether you choose to undergo treatment.
Our laboratory continues to research whether administering Cordy during periods of immune decline can speed up the recovery of immune function.
While the extent of the response and improvement is uncertain, there is a significant possibility of at least regaining appetite and vitality.
When using medications such as chemotherapy, steroids, and antibiotics, there are concerns about liver function decline.
In such cases, combining domestically produced SPF pig placenta extract can help minimize liver damage.
Even cats with already deteriorated liver values can sometimes see improvements in liver function within about a month with the use of SPF pig placenta extract.
Additionally, since lymphoma often involves inflammation, it may also be beneficial to provide Krill Oil extracted from Antarctic krill as a source of EPA/DHA for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Our laboratory continues to research Cordy for its immune-regulating effects, SPF pig placenta extract for liver protection, and Krill Oil for its anti-inflammatory benefits. If you have any questions, please contact us.
監修獣医師：林美彩 所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所
代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。 モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。
所属：
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