Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Curettage and diathermy treat cat nasal skin cancer successfully
By Jarrett, R H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Pukekohe Veterinary Centre, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Curettage and diathermy: a treatment for feline nasal planum actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 34 cats with skin lesions on their noses, diagnosed with actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), underwent a treatment involving curettage and diathermy. This procedure was successful, with all cats showing complete recovery and a high chance of remaining cancer-free for at least a year. While two cats had a recurrence of their lesions a few months after treatment, the procedure was generally well tolerated, with no major complications. Overall, this treatment appears to be effective and safe for managing these types of skin issues in cats.
People also search for: cat nose cancer treatment · feline squamous cell carcinoma · actinic dysplasia in cats · curettage and diathermy for cats
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate curettage and diathermy as a treatment for actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the feline nasal planum. METHODS: Thirty-four cats clinically assessed to have actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma involving less than 50% of the nasal planum were treated with a three-cycle curettage and diathermy procedure. Degree of dysplasia, response to treatment, adverse effects, owner perceptions, time to recurrence and proportion disease free at 1 year were evaluated. RESULTS: Lesions ranged from actinic keratoses to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A complete response to treatment was obtained in all cats. The median follow-up time was 18 · 2 (IQR: 12 · 0-22 · 8) months. Two cats had a clinical recurrence of lesions at 161 and 192 days after treatment. The probability of remaining disease free after 12 months was 0 · 94 (95% CI: 0 · 85-1 · 0). Median time to recurrence was not reached. The procedure was well tolerated with a good cosmetic outcome and no significant post-operative complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that curettage and diathermy is an effective treatment for feline actinic dysplasia and for superficial squamous cell carcinoma involving less than 50% of the nasal planum. Curettage and diathermy is an easily mastered technique, requiring minimal equipment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23373836/