Brain tumours
From Felipedia
The incidence and prevalence of spontaneous intracranial neoplasia in cats is unknown but it is commonly accepted that they are less common than dogs1. Meningiomas are the most common intracranial neoplasm in cats; frequency of approx. 58%. The location of most intracranial tumours (including non-meningiomas) is supratentorial (above the meninges). Some (approx. 10%) are infratentorial1.
Neoplasia is more common in older cats with a progressive history of neurological signs. Although X-rays may be informative to help toward a diagnosis, MRI or CT scans are the preferred diagnostic procedures. CSF fluid is often abnormal but frequently non-diagnostic. Tumour location together with imaging characteristics may help to define the most likely differential diagnosis1 (see table below). Intracranial neoplasms are classified as either primary or secondary; primary neoplasias being more common.
| Tumour type | Predilection site | Pathology | MRI Oedema | MRI Contrast | |
| Astrocytoma | Rostrotentorial intra axial | Solitary | Variable | Heterogenous (+/- ring) | |
| Craniopharyngioma | Ependymoma | Rostrotentorial ventricular (3rd ventricle) | Solitary, 20 hydrocephalus | Unknown | Uniform |
| Hamartoma, Lymphoma | None | Solitary or multifocal | Moderate to severe | Usually homogenous | |
| Meningioma | Supratentorial (cranial and spinal locations) | Solitary | Minimal | ||
| Olfactory neuroblastoma | Nasal cavity, olfactory, bulb/frontal lobe | Solitary; erosion of cribriform plate | Moderate to severe | Heterogenous | |
| Oligodendroglioma | Rostrotentorial intra axial(+/- ventricular) | Solitary | Variable | Heterogenous (+/- ring) | |
| Pituitary tumours | Diencephalon | Solitary | Minimal | Usually homogenous | |
| Paraneoplastic disorders | None | Solitary or multifocal | N/A | N/A |
Definitive diagnosis is based on the results of biopsy, cytology and histopathology.
Treatment
Information is basically anecdotal. Surgical resection/debulking, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the common treatments as with human intracranial neoplasia. Chemotherapy has been limited primarily to lymphomas. Although the majority of intracranial tumours are slow growing, they are usually quite advanced by the time of diagnosis and consequently, the prognosis is guarded.
References
1. August, J.R. (2006). Consultations in feline internal medicine. Elsevier Saunders, Missouri
