Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma in older cats signs and outlook
By Paul Tutu et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2025·"Ion Ionescu de la Brad" Iasi University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma: recent advances and future perspectives
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, a serious type of cancer that affects the mouth and can make eating difficult. The cat showed signs like weight loss and oral ulcers, which are common symptoms of this aggressive cancer. Unfortunately, the prognosis is often poor, with most cats surviving less than two months after diagnosis. However, surgery and new targeted therapies may offer some hope for better outcomes. It's important for cat owners to be aware of these symptoms and consult their veterinarian if they notice any changes in their cat's eating habits or oral health.
People also search for: cat oral cancer symptoms · feline weight loss causes · treatment for cat mouth tumors
Abstract
Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is the most common oral malignancy in cats, characterized by aggressive local invasion, high metastatic potential, and poor clinical outcomes. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic mutations (notably TP53), viral infections (such as papillomavirus), environmental exposures to xenobiotics and chronic oral inflammation, though definitive causal relationships remain unclear due to limited studies. FOSCC primarily affects older, non-pedigree cats, with no clear sex or breed predisposition, and most frequently arises in the gingiva, sublingual region, and tongue. FOSCC presents with non-specific signs like weight loss, oral ulceration, and difficult eating, often leading to late diagnosis. FOSCC displays highly infiltrative growth with marked cellular pleomorphism and frequent bone invasion. Recent advances have identified various biomarkers, such as Ki-67, Cyclin D1, Bmi-1, and EMT-related proteins, that enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic assessment, while emerging research into tumor mutational burden and metabolic pathways offers promising therapeutic targets. Prognosis remains poor, with median survival times typically under 2 months and limited response to conventional treatments; however, surgical intervention and novel targeted therapies show potential for improved outcomes. This review synthesizes recent progress in understanding FOSCC etiology, pathology, and therapeutic strategies, and highlights ongoing challenges and future directions in the management of this devastating feline cancer.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1663990