The Facts About Hamsters and Cancer

Let's discuss the facts about hamsters and cancer. Hamsters are fun and cute little pets to have. However, just like other animals they can experience various health issues. Some can be prevented whiles others can't. Cancer in hamsters can't be prevented. This article will discuss the symptoms of cancer in hamsters and how it can be treated.

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. It can occur in organs and tissue pretty much anywhere in a body. Cancer affects people and animals. Cancerous tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign means that it doesn't spread and isn't fatal. Malignant tumors are cancer, these tumors can spread and can be very damaging to a body. 

Cancer and tumors in hamsters can develop in so many places. Your hamster may have tumors in the adrenal gland, brain, spleen, liver, skin, womb, lymph nodes, intestines, and even its eyes. Some tumors are internal, so if the tumors are benign and don't cause any symptoms in your pet, you may never even know they are there. Tumors can also be on your hamster's skin or somewhere that you can see or feel.

Occasionally malignant tumors occur in hamsters, but almost always hamsters have benign tumors. If you notice any tumors on your pet hamster, they are probably no big deal, but you should double check with a veterinarian. A vet can run blood tests, take x-rays, and do biopsies to determine exactly what your hamster has.

Depending on the type of tumors and where they are located on a hamster's body determines the types of symptoms the pet may have. The most common symptoms of cancer in hamsters include loss of appetite, diarrhea, depression, hair loss, signs of abdominal pain, and obviously tumors.

Tumors can be surgically removed from a hamster. If a hamster has malignant tumors in late stages, there may not be any successful treatment options.

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.