Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity in cats

Varieties

Histologically, B and T cell lymphosarcoma are distinguished. The following forms are classified according to clinical symptoms:

Mediastinal.
Plural.
Nutritional.
Extranodal.
Lymphocytic leukemia.

Most types of lymphoma affect middle-aged and older cats.

Based on the shape of the flow, they are distinguished:

Indopeent. The disease progresses indolently, with adequate treatment the prognosis is good.
Aggressive. The pathology develops rapidly, the prediction is doubtful.

It's not easy to get sick

Symptoms of the disease

At the onset of inflammation, the kitten exhibits the following symptoms:

affected areas become hot;
paired nodes that are close to the source of inflammation increase in volume;
enlarged lymph nodes in the neck cause sore throat;
loss of appetite, severe thirst;
apathy: the animal constantly lies down, reacts poorly to stimuli.

When foci of inflammation are localized in the axillary, groin area, lameness is observed.

Causes

There are the following factors that provoke the occurrence of lymphoma:

Feline leukemia virus. Transmitted in utero. Stray animals that do not have clinical signs of the disease are carriers of the pathogen.
Permanent poisoning with metal compounds.
Radiation.
Unsatisfactory ecology.

Under the influence of the above factors, changes accumulate in the genome of lymphocytes, leading to mutations. The process of cell division is disrupted, they begin to multiply intensively and form tumor textures. The main focus of pathological cella is the bone marrow, from which defective lymphocytes are carried by the bloodstream throughout the body.

Detecting inflammation of the lymph nodes at home

Most often, the submandibular lymph nodes become inflamed.

An attentive owner is able to diagnose the animal at home.

To do this, you just need to know the location of the lymph nodes:

Elbows.
Located near the shoulders of the front paws.
Axillary.
They are located in the armpits of the front paws, slightly moved towards the head.
Submandibular.
Felt under the lower jaw.
Popliteal.
They are located under the hind leg and can be felt on the back of the knee.
Inguinal.
Located under a thin layer of fat on the abdomen on the inner side of the thigh. To make it easier to feel them, you first need to find the lower mammary glands and slowly move along the slope towards the paw and tail.

Important! If all groups of lymph nodes in an animal become inflamed in a short time, it is better to contact a veterinarian, since this phenomenon may be leukosarcoma.

Symptoms

Pathological foci can occur everywhere where there are blood vessels containing modified lymphocytes. With almost all types of Lymphoma, the cat loses activity and loses a lot of weight. The tumor most rarely affects the brain, because the blood-brain barrier is an insurmountable obstacle for the virus.

In the latter situation, the cat experiences nervous phenomena accompanied by paralysis. The prognosis is unfavorable. In other cases, the following signs of Lymphosarcoma are observed:

Difficulty breathing.
Nutritional sarcoma.
Multiple lymphoma.
Paralysis.
Rhinitis.
Anemia.

Difficulty breathing

A characteristic sign of mediastinal lymphosarcoma. In place of the thymus gland, an extensive tumor forms, compressing the lungs.

The cat takes a forced position that facilitates breathing movements - it stretches its neck and tries to take a convulsive breath.

Nutritional sarcoma

With this type of Lymphoma, the following pathological symptoms are observed:

Constipation. Caused by a developing tumor. Promotion of digestive products is difficult. In severe cases, the intestine becomes blocked by a neoplasm or is compressed by a tumor developing in the abdominal cavity. In such a situation, immediate surgical intervention is indicated.
Vomit. It is a consequence of constipation. The slow movement of chyme through the alimentary channel is accompanied by the development of putrefactive microflora, the excretion products of which cause intoxication. The body tries to fight by increasing peristaltic as well as anti-peristaltic movements.

Vomit

Multiple lymphoma

The pathology is manifested by hypertrophy of the lymph nodes throughout the body. A thorough examination reveals an enlargement of the spleen, as well as the liver and other internal organs.

Paralysis

If the tumor forms near the spine or in close proximity to the spinal cord, the nerves responsible for performing movements of the limbs are blocked. The cat is paralyzed.

Rhinitis

A runny nose, as well as discharge from the nose and eyes, are symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency. Local lymph nodes become hypertrophied. The pet sneezes and rubs its face with its paws. The discharge may be foul-smelling and multi-colored.

Runny nose with purulent discharge

Anemia

All types of lymphosarcoma occur with signs of anemia. The concentration of leukocytes deviates from the norm in any direction. Symptoms of hypoplastic anemia develop.

Signs

Depending on the type of disease, the clinical picture may vary.

When to sound the alarm

If an animal’s activity sharply decreases and a rapid decrease in body weight is observed, this indicates pathological changes in the body.

As lymphoma develops, the following symptoms may occur:

Difficulty breathing is the first sign indicating mediastinal lymphosarcoma. In place of the thymus gland, an extensive neoplasm begins to form, putting pressure on the lungs.
Constipation. The tumor prevents bowel movements. In advanced cases, intestinal obstruction develops.
Vomit. The retention of food contributes to the formation of putrefactive microflora, which leads to intoxication of the pet’s body.
Hypertrophy of lymph nodes.
Enlargement of the liver, spleen and other anatomical structures.
Paralysis.
Nasal and eye discharge.

It is worth noting that with any form of lymphoma, the number of leukocytes can deviate from normal values in any direction. As a result, the development of the disease is always accompanied by signs of hypoplastic anemia.

Diagnostics: how the procedure works

To make a final diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes a comprehensive examination of the animal, including:

visual inspection;
general and biochemical blood test;
ultrasound examination of internal organs;
microscopy and cytology of biomaterial;
Analysis of urine.

The listed diagnostic measures are the main ones in establishing the cause of the disease. Additionally, radiography, brain puncture, and PCR analysis may be prescribed.

Lymphoma in cats and dogs. Interview with an oncologist

December 11, 2014

Lymphoma. This diagnosis, unfortunately, is heard quite often in the offices of our oncologists. What kind of disease is this, what affects its occurrence, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated, says the head of the department of general oncology and chemotherapy at the Biocontrol clinic, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Marina Nikolaevna Yakunina.

What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors of the lymphatic system, originating from elements of the lymph node or extranodal lymphoid tissue.

In which animals is it most common? Who is predisposed to it?

Lymphoma is common in everyone - cats, dogs and, of course, humans. Most often found in cats. It is one of the nosological units in cats; among all hematopoietic neoplasms, its prevalence is 50-90%. The age at which this disease is most often diagnosed in cats varies from young to 3 years or from 7 to 15 years. In addition, there is a peculiarity: young cats have virus-associated lymphoma, but old and aged cats do not.

What is the nature of this disease?

The etiology is associated in cats with immunodeficiency states, hereditary and genetic predispositions (especially the Abyssinian breed). The cause may be carcinogens of endogenous origin, for example, tobacco smoke. If we are talking about young cats, then up to 60% of cases of lymphoma are associated with the leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus. In cats of the older age group, the percentage of virus carriage ranges from 14 to 25%.

What symptoms can you use to recognize lymphoma?

You can safely say “any way”. It is very difficult to limit the symptoms, because clinical signs depend on the anatomical form and stage of the process. All types of malignant lymphomas are characterized by nonspecific anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss. If this is a multifocal lesion (generalized), then painless enlargement of the lymph nodes may occur, there may be an enlargement of the abdomen due to hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver or spleen), or fluid may accumulate (ascites). If we are talking about the gastrointestinal form, then this is vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, pain in the abdominal area. The mediastinal (in the middle parts of the chest cavity) form is characterized by cough, difficulty swallowing, anorexia, salivation (salivation), difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance due to tumor pleurisy. There are also extranodal forms, in this case the symptoms depend on the location: if it is the eye, then photophobia and conjunctivitis, if the central nervous system is affected - seizures. There may be plaque-like formations on the skin. There may be soreness in the kidney area, and on the part of the heart - exercise intolerance.

Marina Nikolaevna, but almost every owner of an older or sick animal can “attribute” a diagnosis of “lymphoma” to their pet. Maybe there are some specific signs?

This is often what happens. Either the owners think about lymphoma, or maybe even doctors sometimes get confused and diagnose it. The right decision is to go to an oncologist who knows the diagnostic rules and will explain to the owner what he is faced with.

What diagnostic tests does the doctor perform?

A clinical examination and palpation are mandatory. We carry out X-ray diagnostics of the chest organs and ultrasound diagnostics of the abdominal organs: it is important for us to look at whether these are neoplasms or metastases. Morphological diagnostics (cytology, immunohistochemistry, if required, then histology) will help determine the type of lymphoma, which is important at the initial stage for further treatment. Clinical and biochemical blood tests will have to be taken more than once. In the tests we can find anemia, leukocytosis, leukocytopenia, lymphocytosis, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, possibly circulating lymphoblasts, thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis for leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus (if we are talking about cats) and bone marrow examination.

Is it possible to prevent lymphoma?

You can try. For example, to reduce the likelihood of leukemia-associated lymphoma, it is worthwhile to simply vaccinate your animals, especially breeders. This will prevent the infection from spreading into the general cat population. Unfortunately, I cannot offer any prevention for dogs other than preventive examinations.

Can lymphoma be treated surgically?

No, this is a systemic disease. Only if there are symptoms and indications for something that can be life-threatening and that can be corrected with surgery.

How to treat lymphoma?

This is determined only by the attending physician, but most often it is chemotherapy. Depending on the lesion and tumor response - from three times to lifelong courses. You can also treat lymphoma with radiation therapy if it is located in one organ (for example, in the nasal cavity).

What does the forecast depend on?

From many factors. From the location of the tumor, the age of the animal, the stage of the disease, the presence of viruses, whether the bone marrow is involved, whether there is a response to chemotherapy, the duration of remission, and so on. Everything is individual.

What is the life expectancy with lymphoma?

With a good response to chemotherapy and a positive course of the disease, remission for up to three years is quite possible. If the response to chemotherapy is poor, remission may be much shorter.

Does an owner need to do anything at home for a pet with lymphoma?

Of course, do not prescribe or carry out treatment yourself, but follow the instructions of your doctor. Usually medications are prescribed at home depending on the symptoms, always corticosteroids. The animal must be seen once a month, repeated blood tests, an ultrasound if the tumor is in the abdominal cavity, or an x-ray if the tumor is in the chest cavity.

Mikhail Germanovich (December 30, 2014 at 9:36 p.m.): I express my most sincere gratitude and gratitude to the wonderful specialists of the clinic and personally to Marina Nikolaevna and Victoria! Your patient Maximus also conveys his words of gratitude! She feels great, we are planning to go to the dacha to celebrate the New Year! Happy New Year! Only positive emotions! We love you very much!

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Albina Gennadievna (11/18/2015 at 16:26): Hello. Our cat was operated on and her spleen and part of her pancreas were removed. The initial diagnosis was splenic lymphoma, after histology the conclusion was splenic infarction. That is, as I understand it, this is not oncology? Or maybe a heart attack as a secondary symptom of another disease?

Sincerely, A.G. Borodkina

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Biocontrol

Natalya Alexandrovna (04/22/2016 at 19:16): Good afternoon! The cat is 7 years old, Scottish fold. He was diagnosed with esophageal lymphoma, underwent chemotherapy, today is the third day after chemotherapy. He’s not eating well, he’s lost weight, but the water is slowly leaving his tummy (he had a big belly). So he doesn’t lie indifferently chatting. Please tell me how long he can live? We are ready to fight for him! Thanks in advance!

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Biocontrol

Natalya Alexandrovna (04/24/2016 at 16:07): Good afternoon! I registered on your website, but I can’t write a question to the oncologist! What’s wrong with the website?

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Vladimir

Natalya (04/16/2017 at 08:24): My cat was diagnosed with Mediastinal lymphoma. The liquid was pumped out. They said that the animal's condition was serious. Because there is fluid in the body. Sorry, I’m writing confusingly.... Does it make sense to carry out further treatment at all?

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Biocontrol

Svetlana (02/14/2018 at 08:37 pm): Thank you for the informative article... we are just struggling with the diagnosis... The cat has a negative test for immunodeficiency, there are no bacteria in the effusion fluid, no leukemia, antibodies to the coronavirus... the heart is normal. The doctor insists on a CT scan to diagnose lymphoma... But I don’t understand why?? Why is hisiology not enough?

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Biocontrol

Irina (12/01/2018 at 10:06 pm): Hello, can an owner get lymphoma from his cat? What if a cat licks its owner? Or did the cat scratch him through blood?

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Biocontrol

Alena (01/29/2019 at 11:24): Good afternoon.

We've been undergoing chemotherapy for probably two months now, with one round left. Dog breed: Fox Terrier, 12 years old. Of course, the immune system has dropped a little - small papillomas have appeared, the hair falls out in some places after vincritis, well, this is a breed thing. I feel generally good (ugh ugh ugh), loose stools are possible only immediately after administration.

Question: I want to vaccinate her - is it possible to vaccinate a dog with lymphoma using chemotherapy? Will this be harmful to her? or is it medically contraindicated? If so, is it better to live (Nobivak/Eurikan)? Is it possible to bet against rabies? They just write somewhere that you can’t do it if you have a low immune system.

I’ll ask my doctors, I’m just interested in the opinion of other professionals who specifically specialize in our problem.

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Biocontrol

Natalia (23.03.2019 at 21:56): Alena, good evening. We also have a fox terrier and also got lymphoma. I would really like to talk with you in more detail, if possible, I will wait for an SMS in Viber to this phone number +380983383010.

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Lymphoma in cats - probable causes

The causes of lymphoma in cats can be discussed for a very long time, since they have a very complex etiology of development. The most basic reason

is the effect on the animal’s body
of the feline leukemia virus . This virus is stable and is transmitted through direct contact between animals (through saliva or blood), as well as from mother to child. You should be careful when walking cats outside, as the vast majority of stray cats are carriers of this RNA virus.

excessive exposure of the animal;
poisoning with salts of heavy metals;
there is a correlation between the environmental situation and the appearance of lymphoma in cats;
changes in tissue structure at the genetic level;
genetic predisposition.

If we describe the appearance of lymphosarcoma in a cat’s body , we can briefly say the following. Under the influence of certain factors, the composition of the animal’s leukocytes changes at the molecular level, and over some time the composition changes more and more. All this leads to the development of abnormal processes, which in turn provoke cancer. The reason for the appearance is the body’s inability to respond to normal cell division. It's getting out of control

Knowing the causes of the disease, the owner has the opportunity to prevent the onset of the disease. After all, prevention is much easier than treatment! If you have questions related to the health of your animal, you can call our veterinary office and get expert advice.

Types that lymphoma can take in cats

Feline lymphomas have not only a complex etiology, but also complex speciation.

mediastinal lymphosarcoma;
nutritional lymphosarcoma;
multiple lymphosarcoma;
feline lymphocytic leukemia.

indolent lymphomas are mostly benign neoplasms that have a more favorable prognosis than aggressive ones;
aggressive lymphomas - this form requires immediate treatment, since in the absence of assistance the rapid development of the disease, damage to soft tissues and death of the cat are typical.

Symptoms that accompany lymphoma in cats

Like any other pathology, lymphosarcoma has its own characteristic manifestations. Signs are very diverse and may differ from each other, depending on the type of disease and the affected organs. Freely navigating the symptoms of the disease, the owner provides himself with the opportunity to quickly respond and seek help from a veterinary center on time. In the early stages of the disease, positive prognosis is possible, but the further progress goes, the lower the chances of recovery.

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Below is a table that contains all the necessary information on the symptoms of lymphoma in cats.

Type of lymphoma in cats	Pet age category	Presence of leukemia	Characteristic signs
Multiple (multipolar, multifocal) characterized by damage to many tissues	These are mainly older animals, but younger individuals may also have	Usually (-)	Each affected organ is characterized by a change in functionality and general condition
Alimentary (intestinal) - affects the organs of the digestive system	Males and female cats of middle age and more mature individuals	Usually (-)	Decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, frequent diarrhea
Mediastinal (mediastinal) - affects the chest and surrounding areas	Young felines, aged 1-3 years	Usually (-)	Pronounced formation of lymph nodes in the neck and chest. Fast fatiguability. Interrupted breathing, shortness of breath. Heart failure
renal - affects the organ corresponding to the name	These are mostly middle-aged animals	Probably (+)	Decreased appetite, indifference to what is happening, frequent urination. Intense thirst.
Spinal - affects the spinal cord	Middle-aged and younger cats	Usually (+)	Severe condition of the body in general. Changes in the functionality of the hind limbs, accompanied by their paralysis.
Nasal - affects the nose and related organs	More mature animals	Usually (-)	Severe swelling of the mucous membranes. Copious discharge of fluid from the nose, which may be accompanied by blood

If you notice any of the symptoms of lymphoma in cats, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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The specialist must make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment. The doctors at our veterinary center work quickly and efficiently. The team arrives within 40 minutes
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How is lymphoma diagnosed in cats, methods

Before prescribing a specific treatment for a specific disease, the veterinarian must conduct an examination of the cat's body to make a diagnosis. The professionalism of the doctor can play a key role in this, since the symptoms of lymphoma in cats are similar to other diseases. very important to determine the exact cause of the change in your pet’s condition.

, otherwise the disease will progress and lead to the death of the cat.

methods for diagnosing lymphoma in cats

biochemical blood test - can reflect the condition of internal organs;
general blood test - shows the state of the body’s immune system and its general condition;
Ultrasound examination - prescribed for diagnosing internal organs. Sometimes, with lymphoma, the presence of another disease that occurs in parallel can be detected.
urine test - shows the condition of the genitourinary system;
microscopic and cytological examination of a piece of tissue - this type of examination is one of the key ones, because it helps to establish the presence of a neoplasm, as well as to establish its danger to the animal.

These are the most basic types of diagnosis of lymphoma in cats. If necessary, the attending physician may prescribe additional procedures.

Diagnostics

The cause of the disease is identified by clinical signs and the results of histological examination of the pathological material. During examination and palpation, superficial lymph nodes are identified, the condition of the coat is assessed and the live weight of the cat is determined.

Additional studies help to establish the extent of the damage and predict the further fate of the animal. The following tests are prescribed:

X-ray. Ultrasound. Determine the presence of neoplasms in organs.
PCR. The causative agent of the disease is identified.
Bone marrow puncture.
Blood analysis.
Urine examination.

The blood smear is normal. Lymphocyte is colored purple

Lymphoma

Diagnosis of the disease

To make a diagnosis, the doctor conducts a histological examination of the affected lymph node. Sometimes the organ is located in such a place in the body that it is impossible to reach it. In this case, additional research is carried out:

blood analysis;
Ultrasound;
radiography;
PCR.

The veterinarian must examine the skin and visible mucous membranes and palpate the lymph nodes. If alimentary lymphoma is suspected, an animal stool test may be necessary.

Prevention

Practice shows that cats that are sick and have had leukemia or immunodeficiency are predisposed to lymphosarcoma. A reliable method of preventing these diseases is vaccination.

Lymphoma in cats (lymphosarcoma) is one of the most common malignant tumor (cancerous) diseases of the lymphatic system, diagnosed in veterinary practice in representatives of the Feline family.

With this disease, lymphoid cells penetrate various tissues and sections of the lymphoid tissue system throughout the body. Lymphoma is most often detected in cats aged five to seven years, but there are cases when the cancer affects animals up to two or three years of age. At the same time, in young pets the neoplasm is usually virus-associated, but in adults it is not.

What is lymphoma in cats?

Lymphoma in cats is a disease of the lymphoid tissue. The disease is proliferative, most often found in young and adult individuals.

Important!
Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) is a malignant tumor disease.

Treatment

The task of healing is to destroy tumor tissue and degenerated cells, in other words, chemotherapy. The main medications are the following:

Chlorambucil.
Doxorubicin.
Vincristine.
Cyclophosphamide.
L-Asparaginase. It is preferable to use the drug for a cat that suffered from Leukemia before it developed Lymphosarcoma.
Prednisolone.
Radiotherapy. Used mainly for the nasal type of Lymphoma.

All drugs are not harmless to the cat’s body; if complications arise, the veterinarian replaces the drug with a more gentle, although less effective one. In all variants, treatment sessions last several weeks or more. Some treatment regimens require a break between chemotherapy sessions. You need to understand that drugs that destroy tumor cells adversely affect the reproductive organs, parenchyma of the kidneys, liver, and bone marrow.

After the course of treatment, the doctor prescribes the days on which you need to be observed in the clinic. The veterinarian should be prepared for the pet to take general restorative medications for life.

If a cat is diagnosed with Leukemia and develops Lymphoma, to save it it is necessary to undergo harsh chemotherapy, as well as a bone marrow transplant.

What is the survival prognosis for this cat?

Causes of lymphoma in cats

Lymphosarcoma in cats appears due to the influence of unfavorable factors. The exact reason has not yet been established. However, there are the following factors that can trigger the development of this type of cancer:

Presence of FeLV in the blood. This is a leukemia virus transmitted through the blood and saliva of other animals.
Bad ecology. Polluted air, water, and soil contain elements that gradually accumulate in the animal’s body and can cause cancer.
Heredity. If a cat is diagnosed with lymphoma, then its offspring may suffer from this type of cancer.
Presence of FIV in the blood. This is an immunodeficiency virus. At the same time, the body does not resist diseases.
Exposure to ionizing radiation and heavy metals. They can enter the pet's body through water or through inhalation of polluted air.

The development of lymphoma in animals may be due to poor nutrition. Due to a lack of vitamins and minerals, the immune system weakens. Favorable conditions are created for the reproduction of the leukemia virus (FeLV).

External risk factors that often lead to the appearance of neoplasms are the pet’s contact with:

carcinogens;
tobacco smoke;
pesticides;
heavy chemicals.

Cancer of the lymphatic system can occur due to age-related changes.

Prognosis based on the results of therapy

The prospect of prolonging the life of a cat with lymphoma depends on at what stage of the disease treatment was started, which organs are affected by the tumor, and on the correctly selected chemotherapy regimen. According to statistics, 67–69% of patients tolerate chemotherapy well, and their life expectancy increases to six months. Complete remission is observed in 38% of animals and gives them an extra 3 years of life. If an individual negative lymph reaction to chemotherapy occurs or the disease is viral in nature, the animal will not survive.

If treatment is not carried out or is prescribed for a severe form of the disease, the doctor’s prognosis for a four-legged patient is no more than 6 weeks of life. The outcome is sad, but the owners do not despair. Many cat owners, faced with such a serious problem, fight to the end for the life of their pet: they follow all the doctor’s recommendations, support the pet’s mood, and create the most optimal living conditions for it.

Treatments for lymphoma in cats

Lymphoma in cats is treated with courses of chemotherapy. Only a doctor can determine the number of courses; for different types of disease development, different numbers are prescribed: for some, three times is enough, for others, it is necessary to undergo chemotherapy courses all their lives.

There are rare cases of lymphoma being treated surgically. It is also not often that cancer is treated with radiation therapy (this occurs in cases where a certain part of an organ is affected).

Forecast for life

The life expectancy of a pet is influenced by the timeliness of therapy and the location of the disease. Cats diagnosed with lymphoma in the early stages of development are successfully treated and live in remission for 2-3 years, sometimes more. In the absence of complex therapy or treatment of lymphosarcoma with Prednisolone alone, a sick cat will live a maximum of 1.5-2 months. In addition, the chances of successful recovery depend on the location of the malignant tumor. The most unfavorable form is spinal lymphoma, in which the spinal cord is affected by malignant cells.