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Mapping Feline Oncology in Portugal: A National Characterization

P. Brilhante-Simões,Ricardo Lopes,L. Delgado,Augusto Silva,F. Pacheco,Ricardo Marcos,F. Queiroga,J. Prada

Published 2026 in Animals

ABSTRACT

Simple Summary Epidemiological studies play a key role in feline oncology by identifying which tumours are most common, in which patients they occur, and where they are most likely to arise. Mapping tumour occurrence in cats helps clinicians prioritise early diagnostic investigation, supports informed clinical decision-making, and contributes to earlier detection of malignant disease. This study evaluated feline tumour biopsies submitted across Portugal over five years. We analysed 1904 histopathology-confirmed neoplasms to describe where tumours arise, how often they are malignant, and the characteristics of most affected cats. Malignant tumours predominated (77.4%). Nearly nine in ten diagnoses involved two sites: the mammary gland (44.8%, predominantly in females) and the cutaneous/soft tissues (42.4%). Tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity, eyes, urinary system and other organs were comparatively uncommon. Cats with malignant disease were older than those with benign lesions. Multiple tumours occurred in 8.3% of cats and were more frequent in older females. We found no meaningful patterns by breed nor evidence of geographical clustering within Portugal. For owners and clinicians, these results support prompt assessment of any new mass, particularly in older queens, and systematic palpation of mammary chains. Ongoing national surveillance of tumour patterns will help track changes over time and support better preventive care and outcomes.

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