🦷 Vet Overview of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prognosis in 2025 🐶🐱

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a formidable yet common oral cancer in pets—most notably cats. As a veterinarian, I aim to help pet owners understand this aggressive disease by discussing causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Whether your dog or cat has just been diagnosed or you're researching symptoms, this 2025 guide offers trusted insights and actionable steps. 🧪

What Is Oral SCC? 🤔

Oral SCC originates in squamous epithelial cells that line the gums, tongue, tonsils, and throat. These tumors tend to grow rapidly and invade local tissues, including bone. Metastasis is less common early on but becomes more likely as the tumor progresses. 📈

In Cats 🐱

• 👅 Commonly found on the underside of the tongue or upper gums
• 🦷 Highly destructive to surrounding bone
• 📉 Poor overall prognosis due to rapid local invasion

In Dogs 🐶

• 🦴 Second most common oral tumor
• 🧠 Often located on the gums, mandible, or tonsils
• 🔬 Can spread to lymph nodes or lungs (though less frequently than in cats)

Symptoms to Watch For 🔍

The symptoms often mimic more common dental or oral issues, so early detection requires vigilance.

• 🤤 Drooling (may be bloody)
• 🦷 Difficulty eating or chewing
• 😷 Bad breath (halitosis)
• 🤕 Swelling or visible mass in the mouth or throat
• 📉 Weight loss or food aversion
• 🗣️ Voice changes or coughing (throat involvement)

Diagnosis 🩺

Veterinary Evaluation Includes:

• 🩻 X-rays of the oral cavity and chest
• 🧬 Biopsy or fine needle aspirate for cellular analysis
• 📊 CT scan for detailed imaging and staging
• 🧫 Biomarker testing (e.g., PCNA, Ki-67) to assess tumor grade

Thorough diagnostics are critical to confirm the SCC and determine how advanced the disease is—this helps guide treatment decisions. 🧠

Treatment Options 💊

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, location, and the pet's overall health. A multimodal approach often provides the best outcome.

1. Surgery 🔪

• 🦷 Preferred option when tumors are resectable and margins can be cleared
• 🧱 Mandibulectomy or maxillectomy may be required (jaw removal)
• 🐶 Dogs adapt well post-surgery with minimal impact on appearance
• 🐱 Cats may need hand-feeding initially but can regain independence

Note: Surgical removal of tongue or tonsil SCC is often palliative, not curative.

2. Radiation Therapy ☢️

• 🩺 Used post-operatively or when surgery isn't viable
• 📉 In cats, radiation alone has limited benefit (median survival 30–100 days)
• 🔁 Combined with chemotherapy, survival improves modestly (MST up to 724 days)

3. Chemotherapy 💉

• 💊 Often used with radiation to boost effectiveness
• 🧬 Limited direct impact on SCC but may reduce progression
• 🧑‍⚕️ Decision made based on individual pet's health and tumor response

4. Electromagnetic Thermoablation 🌡️

• 🔥 Involves heating alloy needles with electromagnetic fields
• 💥 Targets tumor tissue directly with thermal destruction
• ✅ May be used in conjunction with other treatments

5. Supportive Therapy ❤️‍🩹

Essential for improving quality of life and comfort:

• 🍽️ Feeding tubes if oral intake is painful
• 💊 Pain management and anti-inflammatories
• 🦠 Antibiotics for secondary infections
• 🧘 Acupuncture or alternative therapies

Some cats benefit from medications like zoledronate or pamidronate to reduce bone pain and prevent further damage. 🦴

Monitoring and Follow-Up 🔄

• 👨‍⚕️ Frequent oral exams to check for regrowth
• 🧪 Lymph node aspirates and chest X-rays for metastasis
• 🗓️ Periodic imaging to assess residual or recurrent disease

Recurrence is unfortunately common, especially in cats. Regular follow-up helps detect and manage issues early. 🐾

Prognosis 📊

Dogs 🐶

• Mandibular SCC (with surgery): Median survival 19–43 months
• Maxillary SCC (surgery): 10–39 months
• Tonsillar SCC: Poorer outcomes—MST ~243 days
• ✅ Best outcomes with surgery + chemotherapy

Cats 🐱

• Mandibulectomy: MST 217 days, 43% 1-year survival
• Rostral tumors: MST up to 911 days
• No therapy: MST just 30–45 days
• Radiation (alone): MST ~106 days

Most cats succumb to uncontrolled local disease. Metastasis may occur (lymph nodes 31%, lungs 10%), particularly in late-stage diagnosis. 😿

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 🧑‍⚕️

Oral SCC in dogs and cats is challenging—but with early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment plan, pets can enjoy meaningful quality time. Surgery remains the gold standard, and combining modalities often yields the best results.

If you suspect oral SCC or have concerns about unusual mouth growths, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early detection saves lives. 🐶🐱💖

Need further help? Visit Ask A Vet or download the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance on treatment options and personalized support for your pet’s journey. 📱🐾