Condition3 connections · 4 sources
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor arising from squamous epithelial cells. It commonly affects the mouth, nose, and skin in cats and dogs. Oral SCC is particularly aggressive with poor prognosis.
Key Facts
- Oral SCC: most common oral tumor in cats; locally invasive, rarely metastasizes
- Nasal SCC in cats: associated with sun exposure; white-faced cats at higher risk
- Oral SCC in dogs: affects gums, tongue, tonsils; more likely to metastasize than in cats
- Signs: drooling, difficulty eating, facial swelling, bloody nasal discharge
- Treatment: surgery when possible; radiation therapy; limited response to chemotherapy
- Oral SCC in cats has very poor prognosis (median survival 1-3 months)
- Prevention of nasal SCC: limit sun exposure for light-colored cats
- Species: dogs and cats