{"id":453986,"date":"2024-03-27T16:49:33","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T20:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=453986"},"modified":"2024-04-08T11:00:44","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T15:00:44","slug":"squamous-cell-carcinoma-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/squamous-cell-carcinoma-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nOverview<\/a>
\nSigns<\/a>
\nCauses<\/a>
\nDiagnosis<\/a>
\nCare Options<\/a>
\nFAQ<\/a>
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Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of locally aggressive (malignant) cancer that grows and spreads rapidly in the neighboring tissues, including at the bone level.<\/p>\n

This type of cancer often occurs as a result of sun exposure, especially in cats with light-colored fur. Cats typically present at the vet clinic with skin ulcers, especially around the ears, eyes, and nose. If surgery is performed in time, the chances of survival increase.<\/p>\n

In this article, you will learn what squamous cell carcinoma is, the causes of its occurrence, the clinical signs, and what you can do if your cat has squamous cell carcinoma.<\/p>\n

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What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?<\/h2>\n

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant cancer, meaning it can spread throughout the affected tissues and can spread to other areas. It is an aggressive local cancer, which grows quickly and invades the neighboring tissues, including the bone.<\/p>\n

The most commonly affected cats are those between 7 and 15 years old that have been exposed to the sun for a long time (outdoor or outdoor-indoor cats, especially those with light-colored fur). Squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears in non-pigmented areas exposed to the sun. White cats are 13 times more prone to this type of carcinoma compared to colored cats.1<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n

This type of cancer is located in different areas of the head, such as:<\/p>\n

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