SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

DESCRIPTION
The squamous cell carcinoma is tumour of the epithelial cells (eg. skin) and is often one of the most heart-breaking tumours. The tumour is rapidly invasive locally but does not spread in the way we usually think of a cancer spreading until late in its course. This would seem to be a positive aspect lending itself to potential surgical removal and cure, but unfortunately that’s usually not the case. The tumour tends to arise in locations where surgery is challenging or where the tumour isn’t detectable until surgery is no longer possible. It can occur in the mouth, on the nose, the ears, toes and thorax. White haired cats are 13 more times likely to develop it than cats with coloured coats. Common dog breeds to develop this cancer are the Scottish terrier, Pekingese, boxer, poodle, Norwegian elkhound and the daschund.

DIAGNOSIS
Because the appearance of a SCC can vary, the diagnosis must be made based on a biopsy. Treatment and Prognosis: If detected early, with aggressive surgery, in some cases the cancer can be completely removed and the patient is cured. This is common in SCC of the ear pinna when the ear is amputated. However in the case of a SCC penetrating into deeper tissues, such as the nose or mouth, radiation therapy may increase survival time. At this time, systemic chemotherapy does not appear to be effective for long term control of SCC, but chemotherapy implants placed directly into the cancer site are proving to be beneficial.

TREATMENT


Other cancer types.