What is Lymphoma in Cats?
Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma in cats, is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels which extends over the entire body. Lymphocytes are cells found in the lymphatic system. These cells have many different functions, one of which is to produce antibodies against disease-causing bacteria. If lymphocytes begin to divide rapidly in an out-of-control fashion, they form a sarcoma, or malignant growth, in the lymph node. Malignant lymphoctyes can break off from the main tumor and travel to new areas in the body via the lymphatic system. This is why lymphosarcoma spreads so rapidly. Eventually these malignant cells reach the bone marrow. Since the bone marrow produces red blood cells, a severe and fatal anemia is the result.
