애완동물의 편평세포암

반려동물을 키우는 부모의 마음을 울릴 수 있는 단어가 있다면 '암'입니다. 안타깝게도 우리 반려동물은 이 무서운 질병에서 우리가 바라는 만큼 자유로울 수 없습니다. 사람과 마찬가지로 애완동물도 여러 유형의 암에 걸릴 수 있으며 그 중 하나는 편평 세포 암종(SCC)입니다. 애완동물의 SCC와 이를 예방하기 위해 할 수 있는 일에 대해 자세히 알아보려면 계속 읽으십시오.

편평세포암의 기초

편평 세포는 피부와 내부 장기의 외층을 형성하는 상피를 구성하는 얇고 편평하며 불규칙한 모양의 세포입니다. 이 세포는 많은 기능을 가지고 있으며 그 중 하나는 기본 조직을 보호하는 것입니다. 자외선이나 담배 연기에 노출되는 등의 이유로 편평 세포가 손상되면 암이 될 수 있습니다.

개와 고양이 모두 편평 세포 암종으로 발전할 수 있지만 이 암은 개보다 고양이, 특히 중년에서 나이든 고양이에서 훨씬 더 흔합니다. 애완 동물의 편평 세포 암종에는 구강 및 피부의 두 가지 주요 유형이 있습니다.

구강 편평 세포 암종

국소적으로 공격적인 암인 DVM360에 따르면 구강 편평 세포 암종은 모든 고양이 구강암의 10%를 차지하며 두 번째로 흔한 송곳니 구강암입니다. 일반적으로 나이든 애완동물에게 영향을 미치며 생존율이 낮습니다. 편도선과 잇몸과 같은 입안의 어느 곳에서나 찾을 수 있지만 구강 SCC는 가장 일반적으로 혀 아래에 나타납니다. 빠르게 자라며 턱뼈를 자주 침범합니다.

고양이의 경우, 그루밍 중에 고양이의 혀에 닿는 담배 연기 및 벼룩 목걸이 화학 물질과 같은 발암 물질이 구강 SCC를 유발할 수 있습니다. 개의 정확한 원인은 아직 알려져 있지 않습니다.

편평세포암의 징후 및 증상

구강 편평 세포 암종의 징후는 구취, 섭식 곤란, 침흘림, 구강 출혈 및 통증을 포함합니다. 다른 증상으로는 느슨한 치아와 궤양이 있는 잇몸이 있습니다. These signs can often be confused with dental disease, so it is essential for veterinarians to perform a thorough oral exam in older pets. Diagnostic procedures are the same for oral as for skin cancer, which can start with labwork, needle aspirate and/or biopsy with histopathology.

Surgery is the standard of treatment for oral SCC. It can be aggressive, with the removal of a portion of the jawbone, nearby lymph nodes, or both, if necessary. Although surgical tumor removal can provide immense pain relief, the tumor’s size and location can sometimes make surgery difficult or even impractical. Non-surgical treatment options include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Treatments that do not target the tumor itself, but can help a pet to feel better, include antibiotics, painkillers, and nutritional supplementation.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prevention Tips

Prevention strategies include the following:

• Limit sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Keep white-haired cats indoors and prevent them from sunbathing in the window.
• Apply a small amount of sunblock to a pet’s exposed skin, such as the tip of the ears and above the nose.. Your veterinarian can recommend a pet-safe sunblock.
• Use UV reflective film on your windows or install a window shade to block UV rays.
• Take your pet to your veterinarian for regular wellness exams.

Oral SCC:Elizabeth and Lola’s Story

“My 8-year-old dachshund-Jack Russell mix was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the tonsils,” begins pet parent Elizabeth. “When I brought her to the vet, she had lost weight, had no bark, and seemed to have difficulty eating. The vet found and removed the tumor, but warned me that this is an extremely aggressive form of cancer and that it had most likely already metastasized to her lymph nodes.” Elizabeth was referred to an oncologist, who discovered more lesions in Lola’s lung. They recommended palliative radiation and sadly, gave Lola only 3 months to live.

“I could not just let her die,” says Elizabeth. “So I read all the veterinary and animal literature I could find on what deters cancer cells in animals. The finding that stood out to me was cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts, have been found to inhibit cancer cells in research on animals.” Elizabeth dived deeper and changed her dog’s diet:“She is a very picky eater, but likes Brussel sprouts, as long as they have butter in them. Also a diet low in carbs, high in protein and with healthy fats was found to be helpful! She has been eating Brussel sprouts with olive oil and a little butter every day, as well as chicken breast. I’d like to get some other fruits and veggies into her, but she won’t eat them.”

While vets and pet parents alike will tell you that cancer is a daunting diagnosis and that it is truly hit-or-miss with alternative solutions, Elizabeth has had success with Lola’s diet. “It is now 3 months post diagnosis. She has regained her weight and her bark, and to all appearances is symptom free, active, and happy. It’s too early to know if she will be a survivor, but I am sharing this in case anyone else’s dog is in a similar position. So far, she is defying the odds. By the way, she may be the cutest and most wonderful dog on this earth— an unbiased opinion.” Lola’s claims have totaled $2,919 and Elizabeth has been reimbursed $2,135 (90% reimbursement rate; $250 deductible). Please note that cancer claims were sandwiched between unrelated claims that may skew the totals.

Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Skin SCC is the fourth most common feline skin cancer but is rare in dogs. Excessive sun exposure is the most common cause. By far, white and light-colored hair cats are most susceptible to skin SCC and often develop tumor lesions on the temples, eyelids, tip of the nose, and outer tips of the ears. Dogs with sparse hair and lightly pigmented skin and fur (e.g., white Bull Terriers) are also susceptible. Interestingly, in some dogs, skin SCC can target the nailbeds.

Skin SCC typically affects older cats, but both dogs and cats of any breed and age can develop this cancer, depending on their amount of sun exposure and lack of skin pigmentation.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma in pets

In the early stages, skin SCC doesn’t even look like a tumor. Instead, you might notice a small, solitary skin lesion that looks a little dry, flaky, and ulcerated. Often, these signs can be mistaken for other skin diseases, such as allergies or parasites. As time goes on, the lesion grows, becomes bumpy, develops hard and irregular borders, and causes skin swelling.

Skin SCC rarely spreads beyond its original tumor site, but it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and possibly the lungs. It can also recur in the same spot.

Diagnosing skin SCC is done via a skin biopsy, which will show cancerous squamous cells. Other diagnostic tools include a blood sample, chest x-ray, and lymph node analysis to devise an optimal treatment plan.

Skin SCC is primarily treated with aggressive surgical removal of the lesion and at least a portion of the affected area to ensure removal of all tumor tissue. Other treatments include radiation therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), and chemotherapy.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Conclusion

Squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive cancer in pets. Pay close attention to your pet’s skin, particularly if you have a white-haired cat, and take your pet to your veterinarian if you notice any strange bumps on the skin or oral problems. The optimal treatment plan will depend on the tumor’s size and disease progression.

If you love your pets like family, you want to protect them like family. By enrolling in pet insurance, you can save up to 90% on vet bills which means saying “yes” to life-saving treatments, no matter the cost. If you’re not a part of our pack, start by getting a  free quote.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.