From the Research
The primary treatment for oral fibrosarcoma in cats is aggressive surgical removal of the tumor with wide margins, often requiring partial mandibulectomy or maxillectomy depending on tumor location, as this approach has been shown to be the most effective in managing the disease and improving quality of life 1. The goal of surgery is to remove at least 2-3 cm of normal tissue around the tumor to prevent recurrence. Key considerations in the treatment of oral fibrosarcoma in cats include:
- Aggressive surgical techniques such as mandibulectomy and maxillectomy have become the standard surgical treatment for oral neoplasia, including fibrosarcoma 2.
- The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as adjuvant treatments has yet to be clearly defined, but they may be considered in cases where surgical margins are not clean or where there is a high risk of recurrence 3, 4.
- Pain management is essential and may include buprenorphine, gabapentin, or meloxicam, and nutritional support through feeding tubes may be necessary during treatment. Despite aggressive therapy, the prognosis for oral fibrosarcoma in cats remains guarded, with median survival times of 6-12 months due to the tumor's locally invasive nature and high recurrence rate, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment to improve outcomes 5.