Laryngeal mass in the cat: lymphoma, carcinoma or inflammation
10-year-old domestic shorthair cat with progressive inspiratory stridor over 3 weeks, a voiceless meow and weight loss. Laryngoscopy under anaesthesia shows a mass deforming both arytenoids and narrowing the glottis.
What is the most appropriate next step?
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A. Euthanasia, since feline laryngeal masses are always inoperable carcinomas
Not all are carcinomas: lymphoma is common and treatable, and inflammatory laryngitis can mimic neoplasia. Deciding without a biopsy is a serious error.
B. Take biopsies or cytology of the mass under the same anaesthetic, with the airway secured and considering temporary tracheostomy if obstruction is severe
Correct. Lymphoma is one of the most common laryngeal neoplasms in cats, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, and inflammatory laryngeal disease may be visually indistinguishable. Histological/cytological diagnosis completely changes treatment and prognosis.
C. Arytenoid lateralisation to relieve obstruction without a diagnosis
Lateralisation treats paralysis, not a mass infiltrating the cartilages, and it leaves a potentially treatable disease undiagnosed.
D. Anti-inflammatory prednisolone and reassess in one month
Corticosteroids without a diagnosis may mask lymphoma and hinder later diagnosis and treatment, and waiting a month is risky with a narrowed glottis.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Faced with a laryngeal mass in a cat, plan the anaesthetic to obtain samples and secure the airway in the same procedure. Laryngeal lymphoma can respond well to chemotherapy or radiotherapy; stage with thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.