What causes oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats?

Smoke exposure — Cats exposed to household environmental tobacco smoke appear to have an increased risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma. If the owner smokes indoors, the cat is exposed to a great deal of secondhand smoke, and can groom the carcinogens off their fur.

What causes cancer in older cats?

Causes of Cancer in Cats Environmental factors, such as secondhand smoke, increase the likelihood of lymphoma in cats. Vaccine adjuvants (compounds added to vaccines that sometimes have the side effect of stimulating the immune system) have been linked with the development of fibrosarcoma.

What causes cancers in cats?

Feline Tumor Risk Factors Exposure to tobacco smoke, asbestos, prolonged sunlight, and lack of exercise have often been linked to increased risks of cancer development in both cats and humans. Keeping your cat indoors can keep your cat healthy and prolong their life.

Is squamous cell carcinoma painful for cats?

SCC can be highly variable in appearance. Tumors may appear as a shallow or deep sore (ulceration), a raised, reddened area, or a cauliflower-like growth. Multicentric SCCs arise as pigmented areas on the skin which become ulcerated (break open) and bleed. These areas are painful and can become scabby in appearance.

What is squamous cell carcinoma in cats?

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is cancer of the lining of the oral cavity, including the gingiva (gums), tongue, palate and tonsils. It is the most common oral cancer in cats. Tumors are locally invasive and can extend into the bones of the upper or lower jaw. The rate of metastasis at the time of diagnosis is low.

Can squamous cell carcinoma in cats be cured?

Most cats present with advanced disease, making surgical removal impossible. Radiation and chemotherapy have been used to treat oral SCC in the cat with little success. Although these tumors may shrink initially with treatment, the tumors often regrow rapidly after treatment is completed.

How long do cats live with carcinoma?

Multiple different treatments have been explored including radical surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hyperthermia, cryotherapy, anti-inflammatory therapy and combinations of the above. Consistently, studies indicate an average life expectancy of only 1½ to 3 months.

When should I euthanize my cat with SCC?

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE UPPER JAW In fact, most cats have stopped eating and require euthanasia within one month or so. Even with palliative radiotherapy only 1-4 months of survival are reported. That said, a new therapy is emerging in the form of aggressive radiotherapy.