New Insights on Feline Oral Cancer: SCC Dominates in Swiss Cats

A Retrospective Study of Oral Tumors in Cats in Switzerland Identifies Squamous Cell Carcinoma as the Predominant Tumor Type

Eva E. Gasymova, Janny V. Evenhuis, Stephanie Goldschmidt, Boaz Arzi, Natalia Vapniarsky

Background

Oral tumors in cats are clinically significant due to their aggressive nature, late detection, and poor prognosis. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is often the most prevalent type. While prior data from Switzerland reported high rates of malignancy in feline oral tumors, updated information reflecting recent trends and geographic patterns was lacking. This study addresses that gap by analyzing a decade of diagnostic data to better understand tumor prevalence, type, and distribution.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using pathology records from three Swiss diagnostic labs between 2012 and 2022. Inclusion criteria required histologically confirmed neoplastic oral lesions; inflammatory and cystic conditions were excluded. Data on tumor type, location, histological features, and patient demographics were extracted. Tumors were classified as malignant or benign. Geographic mapping was performed using owner or clinic postal addresses. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s exact test, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests, with P < .05 considered significant.

Results

Of 339 cases reviewed, 294 met inclusion criteria. Malignant tumors accounted for 82.0%, with SCC being most common (70.5%), followed by fibrosarcoma, melanoma, and adenocarcinoma. Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POF) was the most common benign tumor (8.2%). SCCs frequently occurred on the tongue (24.0%) and exclusively in the sublingual area. POFs were most often in the caudal mandible. Median patient age was 13 years, with the European Shorthair breed overrepresented. Histologically, ulceration and necrosis were more common in malignant tumors but had low diagnostic sensitivity. Geographically, most SCCs were reported in the cantons of Vaud, Aargau, and Geneva.

Limitations

This retrospective, multicenter study had variable reporting standards and incomplete data for some cases. Histologic assessments were not standardized across laboratories. Submission bias likely influenced tumor type representation. Use of veterinary clinic addresses in lieu of owner addresses for geographic mapping introduced potential location bias. Small sample sizes for some tumor types limited statistical power.

Conclusions

Malignant tumors, especially SCC, dominate the landscape of feline oral tumors in Switzerland. SCC shows site-specific predilections for the tongue and sublingual regions. While histologic features like ulceration and necrosis may suggest malignancy, they are insufficient as sole diagnostic indicators. These findings underscore the importance of routine oral examinations and early detection strategies in older cats. Further prospective studies and standardized diagnostics are needed to improve outcomes.

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