Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in pets

January 8, 2014 — #dog, #pet, #pet loss, #squamous cell, #tumor, cancer

What is Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma? 

Squamous cell carcinomas are malignant cancers originating from the lining cells of the mouth. They are locally invasive and often recurrent. Only 5-10% of tumors arising in the gums (gingiva) metastasize (spread), but cancers in the tongue often metastasize to local lymph nodes. Cancers that originate from the tonsil metastasize quickly to the other tonsil, lymph nodes of the throat and other parts of the body.  (VCA Animal Hospital)

 I am trying to inform pet owners on this form of cancer to be sure your pet doesn’t end up like mine did.  If you are reading my posts, I wrote a post about my cat Chocolate.  This is what he died from.  I wish I would have been more aware of the signs of this cancer.  I am going to include some links to different websites that have the information about this form of cancer.  This cancer can only be treated if found in its early stage.  It is very aggressive.  Even if diagnosed early, the cancer can be removed but radiation treatments must be performed, and even then there is a high chance the cancer will return.  There is more success rates with dogs, but cats don’t have as high of a survival rate.

I hope these links help:

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma: An overview

Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma | The Veterinary Cancer Center

Oral Tumors – Squamous Cell Carcinoma | VCA Animal Hospitals

The National Canine Cancer Foundation