Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the cat: current understanding and treatment approaches

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumour that commonly involves the skin or oral cavity and is, therefore, an important differential diagnosis for any cutaneous lesion(s), especially any non-healing scabbing lesions on the eyelids, nasal planum or ears of light-coloured cats.

Superficial lesions of the nasal planum, discrete small eyelid lesions and lesions on the tips of pinnae are relatively easily treated, but higher stage lesions are more challenging to manage and may compromise the cosmetic appearance of the cat.

This review article is aimed at all veterinary practitioners that see cats.

The review summarises the peer-reviewed literature relating to our understanding of feline cutaneous SCC. Unfortunately, the literature is limited and in need of updating in areas.