Squamous cell carcinoma at the tongue of a cat

Squamous cell carcinomas are malign tumors composed of squamous epithelium of skin and mucous membranes and showing squamous differentiation. These tumors constitute 60-70% of malignant tumors in the cats. Environmental factors that predispose to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats are defined as exposure to cigarette smoke, the use of flea collar, and nutrition with tuna fish-containing ingredients. A male, 11-year-old Chinchilla race cat was brought to Ankara University, Veterinary Faculty, Veterinary Hospital, Department of Internal Diseases with complaints of anorexia, weakness, dysphagia, fatigue and difficulty in swallowing solid food. At the physical examination, it was determined that the tongue was deviated to the left side and kept in the same position continuously, and the right side of the tongue was thickened. At general anesthesia, a biopsy was taken from the bulk at the root of the tongue with fine needle biopsy. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed.