Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Courtesy of T. Scase

neoplastic

Papilloma and Squamous Cell Carninoma of Epiglottis (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))

• Squamous cell carcinomas are the malignant equivalent of the papilloma and may arise anywhere within the oropharynx.
  • Those arising over the tonsil (squamous carcinoma of the tonsil or tonsillar carcinoma) are very malignant, invading adjacent tissues and metastasising early.
  • Squamous carcinomas of the tongue (especially in cats) can also behave in a very malignant fashion. Those at more rostral sites, e.g. on the incisor gingivae, are less likely to metastasise early although they may be locally aggressive.
  • Squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx in cattle are commonly seen as part of an upper alimentary tract carcinoma complex.

• Squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus are occasionally seen in other species, notably in the cat, where the tumour tends to infiltrate around the oesophageal wall resulting in a “ring carcinoma”.
• The affected cat has progressive difficulty in eating and swallowing.
• Forms part of Upper Alimentary Tract Carcinoma Complex