Essay On Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Most animals are susceptible to the development of cancer at some stage of their life. Among all types of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma is one of the skin cancer that commonly affects domestic animals. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer caused by neoplasms arising from the squamous epithelium of an animal regardless of species. However, this essay will only focus on this condition among felines since my chosen species is a white cat called Rosie. There are several forms of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma among felines, which are known as solar keratosis and multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ, sometimes known as Bowen’s-like disease, but in this case, Rosie is diagnosed with

The presentation of squamous cell carcinoma varies according to stages of the cancer, types of lesions, and the underlying causes of neoplasm. Felines presented with squamous cell carcinoma would typically have lesions, erosions, crusting of epithelial cells, ulcerations and sometimes necrosis in serious conditions. At early stages, the cat would develop hyperplastic lesions and inflammation around the affected area. It will look erythematous and slightly crusty or scaly. As time passes, the signs become worse where the lesions become proliferative which exhibits a look of cauliflower- like masses. They are often ulcerated and have crusted lesions. Unfortunately, it bleeds easily when it is traumatized. The favored area of the neoplasms are usually at nose, eyelids, and pinnae where there are lack of pigmentation.

There are several causes that contributes to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which mainly are prolonged sunlight exposure, presence of trauma, exposure to carcinogen, and being affected by papillomavirus.[...

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...ith photodynamic therapy. Neoplastic tissues would take up compounds of photosensitizing agents, and the interaction of light with the photosensitizing agent eventually leads to the production of cytotoxic free radicles[secret]. The advantages of this treatment is that multiple lesions could be treated even though that could take more than one treatment. However, the downside to this treatment is that it is limited only to neoplasms that are at superficial level. Patients might also acquire side effects such as having photosensitization for around 4-6 weeks, or causing tissues to undergo necrosis which sloughs off after some time.[secret] The latter effect would induce pain in patients.

Tumours that are treated at early stages have a higher chance to heal. Besides that, lesions that are well differentiated and that are superficial also have a better prognosis.