A Case Report on Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Local Dog

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of squamous epithelial cells that is frequently studied in veterinary medicine, particularly in dogs, due to their higher cancer incidence and similarities to human oncology. SCC is one of the most common carcinomas in domestic animals, typically affecting light-colored or sun-exposed areas such as the legs, nasal planum, and scrotum. This report describes a nine-year-old male dog with a 10 cm prepubic swelling, suspected of being a tumor. Following sedation and anesthesia, the tumor was surgically excised, weighing 200 g, and submitted for histopathological examination. Microscopic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of SCC, showing characteristic proliferating squamous cell nests, keratin pearls, fibrous stroma, angiogenesis, and inflammatory cells. The neoplastic cells exhibited hyperchromatic nuclei, a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, and finger-like projections at cell junctions. Postsurgery, the dog recovered well, with normal behavior and health parameters, and wound healing occurred without complications. This case underscores the significance of early detection and surgical intervention in SCC, providing valuable insights into both veterinary and human oncology through comparative cancer biology.