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Lung Cancer
Primary lung tumors originate in the lung tissue itself. They are uncommon in pets compared to metastatic lung disease (cancer spreading to the lungs from elsewhere).
Key Facts
- Primary lung tumors are uncommon; metastatic lung disease is far more common
- Average age at diagnosis: 10-12 years
- Most common type: pulmonary adenocarcinoma
- Signs: chronic cough, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, weight loss; many are asymptomatic
- Often discovered incidentally on chest X-rays
- Cats may present with lameness from digit metastasis (lung-digit syndrome)
- Treatment: surgical removal (lobectomy) if single mass and no metastasis
- Prognosis depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and histologic grade
- Species: dogs and cats