Gastrointestinal Adenoma in Cats: Vet Guide 🐱🌟 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet.

Adenomas are benign glandular tumors that can develop anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract—most commonly in the stomach or intestines. Though non-cancerous, they may cause obstruction, bleeding, or discomfort. Below we cover:

• 🔍 Tumor types and biology
• 🧬 Prevalence & risk factors
• 🚨 Signs based on location
• 🧪 Diagnostics—labs, imaging, biopsy
• 💉 Treatment options—including resection
• 📋 Prognosis & follow-up
• 🤝 Ask A Vet telehealth guidance

🔍 What Is a GI Adenoma?

Adenomas are benign tumors derived from glandular epithelium in the digestive lining. Although they don’t spread (no metastasis), they can enlarge, ulcerate, or obstruct the GI tract.

🎯 Who’s at Risk?

• Typically older cats, middle-aged and above
• No known breed predilection
• Benign nature means they grow slowly versus malignant adenocarcinomas :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

🚨 Clinical Signs

Signs depend on where the tumor grows:

• Stomach adenomas: intermittent vomiting, often with mucous or blood; decreased appetite; weight loss.
• Small intestinal adenomas: occasional obstruction (vomiting, rumbling), poor nutrient absorption, anemia if ulcerated.
• Large intestinal/colonic adenomas: changes in stool (constipation, mucus, occasional bleeding), straining, tenesmus.

🧪 Diagnostic Approach

1. History & physical: identify location-based signs (vomiting vs. straining).
2. Bloodwork: CBC/chemistry usually unremarkable; mild anemia possible if ulceration present.
3. Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound or contrast X-rays identify wall-thickened masses or bulges; ultrasound helpful for size, bloodflow.
4. Endoscopy: Useful for gastric/colonic lesions—allows biopsy but may miss deeper tumors.
5. Surgical biopsy/resection: allows definitive diagnosis and treatment.

🛠 Treatment Strategies

• Surgical removal: indicated for symptomatic or growing tumors; often curative.
• Partial resection: segment removed and ends reattached—minimal margins needed.
• Asymptomatic lesions: may be monitored; removal considered if change in size or new signs.

📆 Prognosis & Monitoring

• Excellent outcomes post-complete removal; recurrence unlikely.
• Periodic rechecks (physical exam + imaging) recommended after surgery.
• No need for chemotherapy due to benign nature, unlike adenocarcinoma which often has poor prognosis :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🤝 Ask A Vet Telehealth Support

• 📸 Review clinical signs to decide diagnostic urgency.
• 💬 Help you interpret imaging reports and plan for referral or surgery.
• 📅 Post-surgery guidance—monitor appetite, signs of obstruction, incision care.
• 📈 Check healing, and decide when further imaging or rechecks are needed.

✅ Key Takeaways

• GI adenomas are benign glandular tumors—but can cause significant issues if they grow or ulcerate.
• Symptoms vary by tumor location; vomiting or changes in stool may be telling signs.
• Diagnosis requires imaging and biopsy; surgical removal is curative.
• Prognosis is excellent post-resection; recurrence rare.
• Ask A Vet telehealth supports you at every step—from detection through recovery.

📞 Final Thoughts

Although GI adenomas are benign, they can affect digestion and comfort. If your cat shows GI upset or bleeding, diagnosis is key. Through collaborative care, surgery, and Ask A Vet’s telehealth support, your cat can return to normal health. 😊

Need help understanding imaging, post-op diets, or follow-up timelines? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app for ongoing support!