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My cat has a recurring tail tumor. Will surgery and radiation cure it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years and 9 months old | 14 lbs

My cat has a recurrent peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The vet has suggested the tumor be debulked surgically followed by full course radiation therapy. Is a cure very likely? The original tumor was two to three inches above the base of the tail. The tail was removed several months ago except for two vertebra. The current tumor is on this remaining tail stub.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

I'm sorry Snuggles has a peripheral nerve sheath tumor! The treatment of choice is surgical removal and radiation can help. Unfortunately 72% of these types of tumors tend to reoccur, but the good news is that they rarely spread to regional lymph nodes or metastasize to the lungs. There is a chance that this treatment plan could be curative, but given the high rate of reoccurrence, I would be prepared that the tumor may come back. That being said, it definitely should be treated, and hopefully it will be successful. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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