About Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Canines
So much has been said lately about exposure to the sun and sunburns causing skin cancer in human beings, but what about our pets? Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 5% of all canine cutaneous tumors. Ongoing research into the causes of squamous cell carcinoma in dogs is leading to quicker diagnosis and more effective treatments.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma in dogs is similar to squamous cell carcinoma in humans. This is a skin cancer of the epidermal (skin) cells. This cancer typically is a slow growing form, however it can be aggressive in nature. This form of carcinoma characteristically peaks in canines between the ages of six and 10 years old. Specific breeds are also more prone to developing this form of skin cancer. These breeds include:
- Basset hound
- Collie
- Keeshond
- Standard Schnauzer
Short-coated breeds that spend a lot of time outdoors seem to have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, although for unknown reasons, the boxer seems to be in a decreased risk category.
Symptoms
Typically a squamous cell carcinoma is a raised, firm to the touch and frequently ulcerated lesion. Their surface can resemble a wart and can grow outwardly from the skin. Common areas on the dog seem to be the ventricle abdominal area, the scrotal area, and the inguinal skin area. Subungual squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor located in the nail bed. These tumors can cause a dog to limp.
Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs
As with any skin cancer, the sooner it is treated, the better the prognosis. Treatment will depend on the type of tumor and how advanced the disease it is at the time of the diagnoses. Options for treatment can include:
- Surgery can be used if the tumor is localized and can be removed without damaging the associated tissues.
- Radiation therapy can be used when surgery is incomplete.
- Chemotherapy is considered when the carcinoma has spread to other areas
- Cryosurgery, which is the process of freezing the tumor, is typically used for small tumors which are localized
- Photodynamic therapy is a new modality that uses and injected die into the bloodstream which highlights the cancer cells. A laser is then used to excite the cells, which causes them to ultimately die.