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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cats are very prone to squamous cell carcinoma as they spend far more time outdoors than other pets. The areas most commonly affected are the ear flaps or pinnae, the nose and the eyelids. Initially the damage to the skin will show as a pink area with perhaps some crusting and hairloss.

However, continued exposure will lead to more serious scaling of the skin. If this is not treated and the cat is not protected from the sun, then a serious skin condition called squamous cell carcinoma can develop. This is a malignant tumour which will spread locally, destroying the surrounding tissue. It can also occasionally spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph node or lungs. Bleeding and crusting from the earflap lesions can be a major problem in some cats. As the condition gets more serious the skin looks very red and there may be ulcerated areas with raised hardened edges on the ears, eyelids, nose, lips and face.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. If skin damage is only minor then it is better that you simply keep the cat in during the hottest part of the day in the summer. Some cats will allow a child's sunblock cream (or pet's sunblock cream) applied to the ear tips, however, most cats will groom it off fairly quickly. Older cats with lack of pigment or pink ear tips are also more likely to get feline squamous cell carcinoma, generally after eleven years of age.