Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): A Case Series and Literature Review

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are commonly diagnosed in animals, particularly African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) (APHs). This study reviews individual hedgehog and tumor characteristics of 17 OSCCs in APHs, as well as 94 OSCC cases currently recorded in the scientific literature, to assess common trends and potential risk factors for these neoplasms in the species. A single detailed case of OSCC is described in the case series; it was submitted for autopsy with cytological and diagnostic imaging data while the remaining cases were routine histological biopsies. Histologically, OSCCs showed infiltrative trabeculae and nests of squamous epithelial cells with variable degrees of keratinization. Bone and nasal invasion were observed in some OSCCs (n = 3), consistent with the literature. Metastasis has been rarely reported and was not recorded in this case series. Inflammation was observed in examined OSCCs, as well as in literature cases, including in the mucosa adjacent to OSCCs, suggesting a potential role of chronic inflammation in tumor promotion. This study highlights that individuals older than 2 years old with chronic stomatitis are potentially at higher risk of developing OSCCs, with the maxilla (66.0%) being the most common site of tumor development. No sex predilection is evident. Recurrence and metastatic potential remain insufficiently documented, warranting further investigation.