Oral squamous cell carcinoma in a cat managed with palliative treatments.

Abstract

A 9-year-old neutered female British shorthair cat presented with anorexia. Physical examination revealed stomatitis and gingival ulcer of the maxillary anterior acetabulum. Computed tomography showed a bone-infiltrating neoplastic lesion in the maxilla invading the orbit. A core biopsy of the lesion along with imaging studies and laboratory examinations revealed stage 3 oral squamous cell carcinoma. An esophageal fistula tube was placed and administration of analgesics and molecular-targeted drugs was initiated. After a month, palliative irradiation was performed. The cat tolerated without significant side effects during the 197-day administration of the molecular-targeted drug. Later in treatment, radiation therapy caused necrosis of the bone and skin. However, for most part of the 227-day survival, quality of life was well maintained with pain relief and dietary supplements.