POST-VACCINATION SARCOMA
What is a sarcoma?
A sarcoma is a term for any cancer of mesenchymal tissues. These tissues
include connective tissues such as skin and muscles, bone, cartilage, pleura,
peritoneum, and blood vessels. Post-vaccination sarcomas usually involve the
fibrous connective tissue under the skin.
Why are they called “Post-Vaccination”?
Sarcomas affecting various body tissues have always been seen in cats, but in
recent years the occurrence of sarcomas at sites commonly used for
vaccination, such as the shoulder, lumbar region, flank and upper hind leg, led
researchers to see if there was a direct association with vaccination.
Is there an association with vaccination?
The evidence is still not clear but in a few genetically susceptible cats it seems
that some component of vaccines may trigger a prolonged intense inflammatory
reaction that can become a sarcoma. There is a considerable amount of
research being conducted to determine what, if any, role the vaccine plays in the
development of sarcomas.
How common is the condition?
In relation to the numbers of cats vaccinated the incidence of sarcomas is
extremely small.
How can it be recognized?
These sarcomas are usually seen as single, firm lumps under the skin commonly
over the flank or shoulder blade. Few develop sooner than three months after a
vaccination. Any lumps that develop sooner are more likely part of a transient
local response to the vaccine, and these have usually resolved by three months.
How are sarcomas diagnosed?
A biopsy of the lump and histopathology (microscopic examination of tissue) will
confirm that it is a sarcoma rather than simple inflammation.
What is the treatment?
The tumor tissue must be surgically removed. A generous amount of tissue
around the margins of the tumor must be removed to reduce likelihood of
recurrence. Depending on the size and position of the tumor, amputation of a
limb may be necessary.
Is treatment successful?
These sarcomas do tend to recur at the original site; spread to other sites
(metastasis) occurs less frequently. The use of radical surgery, combined in
some cases with radiation or chemotherapy, increases survival time.
In view of these sarcomas is it safe to vaccinate my cat?
Your veterinarian will discuss all aspects of the risks and benefits of vaccination
with you. In general, the risk of your cat becoming infected with a serious
disease is far greater than the very small risk of developing a sarcoma.
What is a sarcoma?
A sarcoma is a term for any cancer of mesenchymal tissues. These tissues
include connective tissues such as skin and muscles, bone, cartilage, pleura,
peritoneum, and blood vessels. Post-vaccination sarcomas usually involve the
fibrous connective tissue under the skin.
Why are they called “Post-Vaccination”?
Sarcomas affecting various body tissues have always been seen in cats, but in
recent years the occurrence of sarcomas at sites commonly used for
vaccination, such as the shoulder, lumbar region, flank and upper hind leg, led
researchers to see if there was a direct association with vaccination.
Is there an association with vaccination?
The evidence is still not clear but in a few genetically susceptible cats it seems
that some component of vaccines may trigger a prolonged intense inflammatory
reaction that can become a sarcoma. There is a considerable amount of
research being conducted to determine what, if any, role the vaccine plays in the
development of sarcomas.
How common is the condition?
In relation to the numbers of cats vaccinated the incidence of sarcomas is
extremely small.
How can it be recognized?
These sarcomas are usually seen as single, firm lumps under the skin commonly
over the flank or shoulder blade. Few develop sooner than three months after a
vaccination. Any lumps that develop sooner are more likely part of a transient
local response to the vaccine, and these have usually resolved by three months.
How are sarcomas diagnosed?
A biopsy of the lump and histopathology (microscopic examination of tissue) will
confirm that it is a sarcoma rather than simple inflammation.
What is the treatment?
The tumor tissue must be surgically removed. A generous amount of tissue
around the margins of the tumor must be removed to reduce likelihood of
recurrence. Depending on the size and position of the tumor, amputation of a
limb may be necessary.
Is treatment successful?
These sarcomas do tend to recur at the original site; spread to other sites
(metastasis) occurs less frequently. The use of radical surgery, combined in
some cases with radiation or chemotherapy, increases survival time.
In view of these sarcomas is it safe to vaccinate my cat?
Your veterinarian will discuss all aspects of the risks and benefits of vaccination
with you. In general, the risk of your cat becoming infected with a serious
disease is far greater than the very small risk of developing a sarcoma.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Animal Hospital of Fate 1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 972-722-0066 |
1001 North W.E.Crawford (Highway 66 in Fate) Rockwall, Texas 75087 972-722-0066 |
| The Staff of the Animal Hospital of Fate |