Squamous cell carcinoma in cats is a malignant tumor that develops on the skin. In cats, the majority of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Surgery is the primary treatment option, but radiation and chemotherapy may also be employed. Generally, the prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma that has metastasized is poor, but by addressing immunity, it is believed that one can improve the cat’s condition, maintain their QOL (Quality of Life), and help them regain vitality and appetite. In fact, there have been numerous cases where cancer in cats was controlled through immune approaches using Cordy.
This page summarizes the causes, symptoms, treatments, and tips for improvement or cure of squamous cell carcinoma. Many improvement cases are also introduced. We hope this can serve as a source of comfort and a light of hope for everyone.
目次
- 1 What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats?
- 2 Causes and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
- 3 Diagnosis and Common Treatment Methods for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
- 4 Alternative Therapies for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- 5 5. Things You Can Do at Home – Dietary Therapy
- 6 To Improve Prognosis for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- 7 Empowering the Immune System Against Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats?
Squamous cell carcinoma refers to a tumor that develops from squamous cells, which are cells that generate the skin and mucous membranes.
In cats, it often occurs in the oral cavity, eyes, nose, mouth, or other parts of the head. However, it can develop on any part of the body where squamous cells are present, including the skin, around the nails, and the abdomen, making it one of the malignant tumors found on the skin.
Particularly, most of the oral tumors (tumors in the mouth) in cats are believed to be squamous cell carcinomas.
Causes and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
The primary cause of squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity is thought to be irritation to the gums.
Chronic irritation from hard dry food or treats can damage the gum tissues, leading to cellular cancerization and resulting in raised gums. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as ulcers, bleeding, drooling with blood content, and reduced appetite due to pain can occur.
In recent years, there have also been reports suggesting that cigarette smoke increases the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma in dogs and cats. (Cigarette smoke affects not only squamous cell carcinoma but all types of tumors, so households with smokers need to be cautious.)
If squamous cell carcinoma develops on the skin, it is considered to be due to ultraviolet light damage to the cells.
It is particularly prone to occur in cats with white fur, white fur areas, or thinly furred areas.
Affected skin may show hair loss, scabs, and ulcers, and as the condition advances, the area may swell, ulcerate, and bleed. If it appears on the pinnae (ear flaps), they could potentially fall off.
Other contributing factors include feline AIDS (feline immunodeficiency virus infection, FIV) or old age, where the immune system is weaker, making these cats more susceptible.
Diagnosis and Common Treatment Methods for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
Diagnosis Methods for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats
The diagnosis involves tissue examination of the tumor site (fine needle aspiration, biopsy, partial excision, total excision, etc.).
The primary treatment is surgical removal.
Since this type of tumor tends to spread to surrounding areas, a wide margin of tissue around the tumor must be excised, resulting in a large wound.
Postoperative treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy may be used, and these treatments are also applied when surgery is not possible.
Treatment Methods for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats – Surgery
There are two types of surgery: curative surgery and palliative surgery.
Curative surgery involves removing the tumor along with surrounding tissues as extensively as possible to thoroughly prevent recurrence, but it is a surgery with the “potential” for cure and does not guarantee it.
Palliative surgery, also known as alleviative surgery, involves partial removal of the tumor to temporarily resolve problems caused by the tumor when extensive or complete removal is not possible, thereby maintaining quality of life (QOL).
Since palliative surgery involves removing only part of the tumor, it does not aim for a complete cure merely through surgery.
Treatment Methods for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats – Chemotherapy
Currently, molecularly targeted drugs like imatinib and toceranib are used for chemotherapy.
Molecularly targeted drugs aim at molecules involved in cell growth, invasion, and metastasis, and are said to have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy drugs. However, they are still part of the chemotherapy family, so the burden on the body cannot be avoided.
Additionally, while these drugs have shown effectiveness in treating mast cell tumors in dogs, their usage and efficacy for other tumors are not yet clearly established.
According to the Japanese Small Animal Cancer Center, toceranib has shown high efficacy in dogs with squamous cell carcinoma and is also gradually showing efficacy in cats with squamous cell carcinoma.
If you decide to undergo chemotherapy, utilizing Cordy for immune support and domestic SPF pig-derived placenta extract for liver and kidney care can help manage side effects and is expected to improve the Quality of Life (QOL).
- About Chemotherapy Drugs Used in Cancer Treatment for Dogs and Cats – Side Effects, Precautions, etc.
- About Targeted Cancer Therapies Used in Cancer Treatment for Dogs and Cats
- Types and Protocols of Chemotherapy and Anti-Cancer Drugs Used for Lymphoma in Dogs and Cats
- Micro-Exposure to Anti-Cancer Drugs – Precautions During Cancer Treatment for Pets
- Reasons Why Side Effects of Anti-Cancer Drugs Manifest in 90% of Cases
- Have Anti-Cancer Drugs Been Recommended for Your Dog or Cat? What Are the Risks of Side Effects?
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Cats – Radiation Therapy
Since squamous cell carcinoma is relatively responsive to radiation therapy, it is used in combination with surgery or as a standalone treatment. However, reactions to radiation vary from individual to individual, and because the treatment requires general anesthesia, the burden of anesthetic drugs on the body cannot be ignored.
Alternative Therapies for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
As the name suggests, alternative therapies are treatments that replace conventional treatments. Various therapies have been devised and are implemented in some animal hospitals. Many alternative therapies are less burdensome on the body, making it possible to combine several treatments simultaneously.
A low impact on the body means that alternative therapies are less restricted by the stage or condition of the disease. They can be used before surgery, to prevent recurrence after surgery, in cases where surgery is not possible, and even in cases of lung metastasis.
It is highly recommended to consider alternative therapies in the following situations:
- When there are complications and general treatments are too risky
- When aiming to coexist with cancer
- When prioritizing the prevention of QOL decline
- Before a definitive diagnosis is made
- When the diagnosis results are unsatisfactory
The disadvantages of alternative therapies are minimal, but to list a few:
- Unlike surgery, the treatment is not completed in one go.
- It may sometimes be ineffective (just like surgery or chemotherapy).
- Since more than 90% of animal hospitals do not offer alternative therapies, there is no guarantee of finding a nearby hospital offering such treatments.
- Due to its low prevalence, it can be difficult to obtain information from the internet or books.
5. Things You Can Do at Home – Dietary Therapy
Meals are a daily routine, and the body of not only us humans but also of dogs and cats is built from what we eat. Re-evaluating your pet’s diet can lead to an improvement in their overall constitution.
First, review your daily meals to ensure they are helping to maintain a strong immune system.
The purpose of dietary therapy is to slow down the growth speed of cancer, build strength, and improve conditions such as anemia and albumin levels. Our company and some veterinary hospitals place significant emphasis on a nutritional approach as the foundation of treatment.
Cancer’s primary source of energy is carbohydrates. A diet that restricts carbohydrates as much as possible holds significant meaning from a scientific standpoint. It is an approach worth trying with minimal disadvantages.
In the case of cats, changing their diet is a bit more challenging, but many have successfully transitioned by gradually shifting from their current diet. Since cats have a heightened sense of smell that stimulates their appetite, adjusting the temperature of their food can also lead to success.
Additionally, stimulating their hunting instincts can also increase their appetite. Try tossing dry food to trigger their hunting instincts. You might find that they eat food they previously ignored.
Meals might seem trivial, but they are indeed crucial. Please consider it as part of the treatment and spend a little time on it. It won’t be a waste.
To reduce your effort a bit, we have created a list of recommended foods. Please have a look.
Pets also thrive on the philosophy of “Medicine and Food Are One” – Foods to Fight Cancer
To Improve Prognosis for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cordy continues research with the belief that it may help improve the immunity and condition of cats with squamous cell carcinoma.
There have been reports of long-term survival and maintenance of energy and appetite in various types of tumors, not just squamous cell carcinoma.
Since undergoing surgery or chemotherapy almost certainly reduces immune strength, it is advisable to consider countermeasures.
First, provide a good diet rich in high-quality protein to build strength to withstand side effects and maintain immunity.
Chemotherapy and surgery (especially anesthesia) can lower immunity.
Cancer forms in our bodies every day. However, if the immune system is strong, it can find, attack, and inhibit cancer’s growth. Conversely, if the immune system is weak, it may miss the formation of cancer or allow its growth.
However, it is not a simple matter of having high immunity. Excessive immunity, as seen in autoimmune diseases, can also be problematic.
Both low and high immunity are detrimental. There is a word “chuu-you” (moderation), and indeed, immunity requires moderation and balance.
We are continuing research to see if Cordy can help restore your beloved cat’s immune system to normal.
If Cordy can help your cat’s immune system function properly, coexisting with cancer might become a possibility.
Empowering the Immune System Against Squamous Cell Carcinoma
When your cat is suffering from squamous cell carcinoma, aggressive treatments that put a burden on the body may not be feasible, especially if the cat is elderly or has other health issues.
In such cases, Cordy can be incorporated as it does not burden the body, and it often leads to a pleasant day-to-day life.
While we cannot predict to what extent it will respond or improve, there is a good possibility that it will at least restore appetite and vitality.
When using medications like anti-cancer drugs, steroids, or antibiotics, there’s a concern about liver function deterioration.
In such cases, combining it with Japanese SPF pig-derived placenta extract (Placenta Kissu Powder) may help minimize the damage to the liver.
Even cats that already have worsened liver values can often see an improvement in liver function within about a month by taking Japanese SPF pig-derived Placenta Kissu Powder.
Additionally, since squamous cell carcinoma often accompanies inflammation, giving EPA/DHA krill oil extracted from Antarctic krill, which is expected to have anti-inflammatory effects, may also be effective.
Our lab continues research on Cordy, expected to have immune-modulating effects, Japanese SPF pig-derived Placenta Kissu Powder, expected to protect liver function, and krill oil, expected to have anti-inflammatory effects. If you have any questions, please contact us.
監修獣医師：林美彩 所属クリニック：chicoどうぶつ診療所
代替療法と西洋医学、両方の動物病院での勤務経験と多数のコルディの臨床経験をもつ。 モノリス在籍時には、一般的な動物医療（西洋医学）だけでは対応が困難な症例に対して多くの相談を受け、免疫の大切さを痛烈に実感する。
ペットたちの健康維持・改善のためには薬に頼った対処療法だけではなく、「普段の生活環境や食事を見直し、自宅でさまざまなケアを取り入れることで免疫力を維持し、病気にならない体づくりを目指していくことが大切である」という考えを提唱し普及活動に従事している。
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