Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ear canal tumors in dogs and cats - signs and survival times
By London, C A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1996·Department of Medical Sciences School of Veterinary, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of dogs and cats with tumors of the ear canal: 145 cases (1978-1992).
Plain-English summary
A study looked at 145 dogs and cats with tumors in their ear canals, finding that both species can develop either benign or malignant tumors. Common types included ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Dogs with malignant tumors had a median survival time of over 58 months, while cats had a shorter median of 11.7 months. The best treatment for these tumors is usually aggressive surgery to remove them, and radiation therapy can help if surgery isn't possible.
People also search for: dog ear canal tumor treatment · cat ear tumor symptoms · squamous cell carcinoma in dogs · malignant ear tumors in pets
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the frequency, clinical signs, biologic behavior, and response to treatment of tumors of the ear canal in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of medical records. ANIMALS: Medical records of 81 dogs (48 malignant tumors, 33 benign tumors) and 64 cats (56 malignant tumors, 8 benign tumors). PROCEDURE: Data were analyzed for cats and dogs with malignant tumors, and risk factors were analyzed for their potential impact on survival time. RESULTS: Malignant tumor types most commonly reported included ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and carcinoma of undetermined origin. Median survival time of dogs with malignant aural tumors was > 58 months, whereas that of cats was 11.7 months. A poor prognosis was indicated by extensive tumor involvement (dogs) and by neurologic signs at time of diagnosis, diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma or carcinoma of undetermined origin, and invasion into lymphatics or blood vessels (cats). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Malignant tumors of the ear canal in dogs and cats have a propensity for local invasion, but tend not to metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma and carcinoma of undetermined origin were the most locally aggressive tumors. Malignant tumors of the ear canal are best managed by aggressive surgical excision. Radiotherapy may be useful when tumors cannot be completely removed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8635990/