My cat had tumor surgery. Why are symptoms returning? Is it normal?

In this case it is very likely that the tumor is aggressive and it is coming back. To be able to give you a specific answer in this case, I would need to have more informations about the tumor (name of it if it was analyzed after removal) and other clinical investigations that have been done (if any).

A) The likelihood of reoccurrence is higher if the margins are dirty. While it may be categorized as a low grade, it would be helpful to know the mitotic index which is a quantitative measure of mitotic figures observed in the cancer cells. If the mitotic index is high, reoccurrence is more likely. B) If no further treatment is pursued, it may or may not return. C) Prior to any further surgery or treatment you need to have Barney evaluated by a veterinary oncologist to discuss the best treatment options for him.

That could be quite a common situation, especially with certain kind of tumors (mast cell tumors). Depending on what the wound looks like(a picture would help to define it more specifically), a revision surgery may be needed. Tissue glue or metal staples could be valid options as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I'm very sorry to hear that, it's because the tumor was probably not removed entirely or because it is a malignant tumor that has already spread to other places. you will need to take him back to the vet to get it checked and assessed, your vet might tell you that it should not be operated again if he thinks it will keeps growing back.

Sometimes during surgery it is difficult to remove all the cancer cells. Cells are microscopic and unless very wide margins were taken at surgery some cells may have been left behind. It is not necessarily the vet's fault. Cancer is difficult. The same thing happens in humans. Age is not a disease, if she is relatively in good health there is no reason for her to be unable to have surgery.

I'm sorry Snuggles has a peripheral nerve sheath tumor! The treatment of choice is surgical removal and radiation can help. Unfortunately 72% of these types of tumors tend to reoccur, but the good news is that they rarely spread to regional lymph nodes or metastasize to the lungs. There is a chance that this treatment plan could be curative, but given the high rate of reoccurrence, I would be prepared that the tumor may come back. That being said, it definitely should be treated, and hopefully it will be successful. Good luck, I hope this helps!

This is not usually how things work, the surgeon cannot know if he managed to remove the tumor with clean borders and this is why it is sent to the lab. i have rarely heard about vet repeating such a surgery for free because the tumor wasn't removed with clean borders. Unfortunately at this point, it sounds as the cancer has spread and it would not make sense to perform surgery in her condition.