GI Lymphoma - FF Article Flashcards
What is the most common form of lymphoma in cats?
Alimentary (gastrointestinal) lymphoma.
What are the two main subtypes of alimentary lymphoma in cats?
Small cell (low grade) and large cell (high grade).
How do cats with small cell (low grade) alimentary lymphoma typically present?
They may have a chronic history, diffuse intestinal thickening, and less frequent lymph node involvement.
How do cats with large cell (high grade) alimentary lymphoma typically present?
They may have a shorter history, more severe signs, focal intestinal masses, and frequent lymph node involvement.
What is the typical treatment for small cell (low grade) alimentary lymphoma?
Oral prednisolone and chlorambucil, with median survival times of 19-29 months for responsive cases.
What is the typical treatment for large cell (high grade) alimentary lymphoma?
Intravenous multi-agent chemotherapy (e.g., COP protocol: vincristine, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone). Survival times are shorter, with a median of 50 days to 7 months.
Which subtype of alimentary lymphoma has a poor response to treatment?
Large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (LGLL), which is associated with poor outcomes and short survival times (about 17 days).
What clinical signs are common in alimentary lymphoma in cats?
Lethargy, weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
How is alimentary lymphoma diagnosed?
Diagnosis may require biopsy for histopathology, particularly for small cell lymphoma. Fine-needle aspiration may be used for large cell lymphoma.
What are some differential diagnoses for small cell alimentary lymphoma?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which can look similar on ultrasound and may require additional testing to differentiate.
What is the role of vitamin B12 in cats with small cell alimentary lymphoma?
Many cats with small cell lymphoma are hypocobalaminemic (low vitamin B12), and supplementation is often required.
How does ultrasound aid in diagnosing alimentary lymphoma in cats?
Small cell lymphoma often shows diffuse intestinal thickening, while large cell lymphoma is associated with focal thickening and lymph node involvement.
