Originally Posted by kb2yjx
The fine needle aspiration that Robin did on the lump that she originally thought was his thyroid (and I'm still unclear as to whether it is his thyroid that has the tumor or is a tumor that she thought was his enlarged thyroid)drew out some fluid (or tissue, not sure) and that was sent off to the lab. Those results came back as malignant epithelial tumor. Robin is guessing that the ear tumor(s) and nose scabbies are S.C.C. and I'm not sure if she is saying that they ephithelial tumor is too. Have to ask her about that. She hasn't diagnosed him with S.C.C. but feels pretty sure that is what it is given the scabby nose and ear and this is a cancer that cats outdoors often encounter with too much sunshine.
The only way to be sure is to biopsy his ear tumor or part of his nose and there is no point to put him through that or spend the money. I will treat him with the Transfer Factor and it will help boost his immune system which will help fight any kind of cancer, though it may not beat it.
I did some googling and found a few links with some info this morning:
The above quote comes from this site.Pathology
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia.
Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, fungating, or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the basement membrane and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are pleomorphic/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into keratinized squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no keratinization.[3] ... This page is a candidate to be copied to Wiktionary. ... Eosinophilic is a technical term used by histologists. ... Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. ... Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. ...
IF Barney has FIP (Feline infectious peritonitis) then he would have the dry form which is the chronic type. In the wet version, cats have fluid build up which the vet said Barney does not have. One of the symptoms is going off food, which he certainly does not suffer from but another symptom is discoloration of the eyes with brown splotches, which he does have but that could be due to his age. The vet had a good look at his teeth this last visit and said she thinks he's an old man. She can't know for sure but he looks 14 but because he's been outdoors he could be younger by a bit but looks older. I don't know a lot about FIP but do want to become more familiar with it because I'm wondering if I could at least bring Barney in to our livingroom and sit on a chair in front of the fireplace. I would leave him wrapped up in a blanket and just sit with him but I will ask the vet about that. I would make sure no cats are downstairs if I did that.
From what I understand, FIP is the result of a reaction to the Corona virus. Most cats can process the virus and shed it but the cats who don't get FIP. I think that is how it works. I'm still learning about it.
He is doing so well today and is very bright eyed and is much more alert since we have begun the insulin. This morning's shot was quick and hassle free which we were both grateful for! lol
I decided to leave his cone off and will only use it when I see him really scratching and as an aid when I give him his injection and drops. It really helps because when he swings around to bite me, he can't find me with the cone on.
I'm going to give him his first dose of Transfer Factor in about an hour. I think he will not even notice it mixed up in his food so it's going to be so much easier to give him than it was with Tiger. It will be interesting to see if he improves with the T.F.
Thank you all for your offers of continued support for Barney. It is so kind of you and my hope is that he won't cost that much. He is very blessed to have such a big family. When I hold him later today, I will give him a hug from you guys.
Here is a video of him taken this morning. He was such a happy guy, purring away and doing paddies with his paws on his blanket. It is ironic that he is doing the best I've ever seen him when the news received the other day was the worst. Don't tell him that though, he thinks he's fit as a fiddle.
Grrrr. Photobucket is not working. I've been trying to load one short movie and it stops at 50% and just won't finish for the last hour. When I try to use the 'fast uploader' it lets me select a movie to upload but then there is no 'upload' button to click on the way there used to be. Anyone else having these problems?
Okay, it looks like it's finally uploading, slowly but it's going!
Nope, stuck at 18% now.
Will post it as soon as it's working.
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