Squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 25 January 2021
Update Date: 29 June 2024
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Squamous cell carcinoma in cats treatment, squamous cell carcinoma in cats, carcinoma in cats, nasal tumor, tumor in cat, squamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common tumors in the cats oral cavity. Unfortunately, this tumor is malignant and has a poor prognosis. However, with the advancement of veterinary medicine, there are more and more different treatment options and if diagnosed at an early stage, we can increase the life expectancy of this animal.

In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain everything about squamous cell carcinoma in cats in the oral cavity, from what causes, through diagnosis and treatment.


Squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity of cats

As the name implies, this tumor, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma, originates in the squamous cells of the skin's epithelium. Due to its high level of malignancy, this cancer develops very quickly on the face of the cat, especially in the mouth, and there is even tissue necrosis.

White and light-mucous kittens are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. On the other hand, Siamese cats and black cats are less likely to have this problem.

This tumor in cats can appear at any age, however, it is more common in older cats, above 11 years of age, being one of the most common tumors in older cats.

One of the most aggressive forms of this cancer is that of the oral cavity, reaching the gums, tongue, maxilla and mandible. The region most likely to be affected is the sublingual region. In this case, the factors that predispose the disease are not the age and breed of the cat, but some external factors that we will refer to below.


What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats?

Although there are still no conclusive studies on the true cause of squamous cell carcinoma in cats, we do know that there are some factors that increase a cat's risk of developing this cancer.

Anti-parasitic collar

A study[1] carried out by specialists in order to determine the causes of this cancer in cats, concluded that the flea collars considerably increased the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers believe this is because the collar is too close to the cat's oral cavity and the cancer is caused by the pesticides used.

Tobacco

Unfortunately, pets are passive smokers in many homes. The same study we referred to earlier revealed that cats exposed to tobacco smoke at home had a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.


Another study[2] who specifically studied a protein involved in the development of several cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, found that tobacco-exposed cats were 4.5 times more likely to have an increase in p53. This protein, p53, accumulates in cells and is responsible for tumor proliferation and growth.

Canned tuna

Have you ever wondered if "I can give my cat canned tuna?" The study we have already referred to[1]also found that cats that frequently eat tinned food, especially tinned tuna, are more likely to have squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity than cats that are based on dry food. In that study, researchers specifically looked at the consumption of canned tuna and concluded that cats that consumed it were 5 times more likely to have this type of cancer than those that did not consume it.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats

Generally, the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma in cats do not go unnoticed as they cause large tumors, often ulcerated, in the cat's mouth.

If you've noticed a lump or swelling of unknown origin in your cat, don't hesitate to see your trusted veterinarian as soon as possible. Another warning sign is the presence of blood in your cat's water or food.

In addition, your pet can present other Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cat:

  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Bad breath
  • tooth loss

Diagnosis

To make a correct diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, the veterinarian needs to perform a biopsy. For this, the animal will have to be under anesthesia so that they can collect a good part of the tumor to send for analysis.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian will need to perform other tests, to check the extent of the tumor, if it is concentrated only in the cat's mouth and to rule out other underlying diseases:

  • blood tests
  • X-ray
  • Biochemical analysis
  • Tomography

In some cases, the tumor may have spread to other parts of the skull. Therefore, radiographs are almost always essential to identify the affected parts.

CT, although more expensive, is more accurate to assess the tumor before advancing to surgical and/or radiotherapy treatment.

Squamous cell carcinoma in cats - treatment

Due to the severity of this cancer, treatment may vary and be a combination of multiple treatments.

Surgery

In most cases, surgical intervention is essential to remove the tumor and a significant portion of the margins. It is a complicated surgery due to the area where the tumor is and the cat's anatomy but it can be essential if you want to increase your pet's life expectancy.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy may be the best treatment option, as an alternative to surgery, especially if the tumor extension is very large. It can also be used as a palliative care to relieve a cat's pain. Unfortunately, in many cases the tumors are resistant to radiation.

Chemotherapy

According to most studies, chemotherapy is usually not effective against this type of tumor. Anyway, each case is different and some cats respond positively to chemotherapy.

supportive therapy

Supportive therapy is essential in these cases. Analgesics are often essential to keep the cat pain-free and improve its quality of life. Your veterinarian may also advise anti-inflammatories and opioids.

Nutritional support is also critical in the treatment of feline patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Some cats can't even eat due to the size of the tumor and the pain they feel, which can lead to the need for tube feeding while hospitalized.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, treating this tumor in cats is very complicated. THE survival percentage is very low, usually the animals live between 2 to 5 months. Anyway, with proper treatment, you and your veterinarian can extend your best friend's life as much as possible.

Only the veterinarian who is following your cat's case can give you a more accurate and realistic prognosis. Each case is different!

How to prevent squamous cell carcinoma in cat?

The only thing you can do to prevent this serious malignant tumor in your cat, is to pay attention to and avoid what studies indicate as possible risk factors.

If you smoke, never do so near your cat. Don't even let visitors smoke near him.

Avoid anti-parasitic collars and opt for pipettes. Read our article on the best cat deworming products.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Squamous cell carcinoma in cats, we recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.