Cancer and Tumors in Hamsters

Let's talk about cancer and tumors in hamsters.

You are more than well aware that cancer greatly affects many people, but did you know even your pet hamster could have cancer too? This article will discuss cancer and tumors in pet hamsters including the different types, symptoms, and treatment options.

Hamsters can suffer from cancer just like humans and many other animals. Their tumors can benign or malignant as well. Luckily, in hamsters benign tumors are the most common. These types of tumors are not fatal and they do not spread. Only a very small amount of hamsters ever get malignant tumors. 

Benign tumors are usually found near the hamsters kidney, in the adrenal gland. They can also show up in a hamster's liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Tumors may be external or internal. Symptoms of cancer in hamsters include loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some serious cases of cancers give hamsters symptoms such as hair loss and inflammation.

If you notice anything strange in your hamster, you should take them to your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your veterinarian will have to biopsy tumors to determine if they are benign or malignant. Benign tumors may not effect a hamster in anyway, however benign or malignant tumors will probably need to be surgically removed. Your veterinarian will tell you special care that you have to give your hamster when recovering from their surgery.

It's difficult to know exactly what causes cancer in hamsters. It seems that environmental and genetic factors can both cause cancer which is the abnormal growth of cells.

Cancer is a horrible disease that greatly affects many people and animals. Most hamsters are very luckily to only have benign tumors, that don't spread and effect their quality of life. Hamsters with benign tumors can live just as long as their fellow hamsters.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.