Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Detailed information about Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Species: Cat
Breeds Affected: All breeds (sun-exposed white/light-colored cats predisposed)
Overview
An aggressive cancer arising from squamous cells of the skin or mucous membranes. Common presentations include skin SCC on the ears, nose, or eyelids (often related to UV exposure) and oral SCC that invades bone and soft tissue.
Symptoms
- Skin SCC appears as a non-healing sore or crusty lesion on areas like the ear tip or nose; it may bleed or ulcerate. Oral SCC can cause excessive salivation
- bad breath
- difficulty eating
- and sometimes facial swelling or visible masses.
Treatments
Surgical removal with wide margins is the primary treatment when feasible. In cases of oral SCC or non-resectable lesions, radiation therapy or palliative care may be employed. Pain management is also critical.
Medications
Surgical excision; NSAIDs (eg, piroxicam or meloxicam) for pain and potential anti-tumor effects; chemotherapy (eg, carboplatin or 5-FU) in metastatic or unresectable cases; radiation therapy; supportive pain management (eg, opioids, appetite stimulants).
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