Content continues after advertisement

Actinic & Nonactinic Dermal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

Kathryn R. Vickery, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), Colorado State University

Oncology

|October 2019

Sign in to Print/View PDF

In the Literature

Wilcox JL, Marks SL, Ueda Y, Skorupski KA. Clinical features and outcome of dermal squamous cell carcinoma in 193 dogs (1987-2017). Vet Comp Oncol. 2019;17(2):130-138.


FROM THE PAGE …

Dermal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common skin tumors encountered in the clinic; however, large studies exploring the clinical features, behavior, and outcome of dogs with these tumors are lacking. Dermal SCCs occur in breeds with a nonpigmented, thin haircoat (eg, bull terriers, boxers, beagles, dalmatians, whippets), and many dermal SCC cases are related to sun exposure; tumors in these cases are referred to as actinic SCCs.1-5 Actinic SCCs are often located in regions of the body with a thin haircoat and high exposure to the sun (ie, ventrum, head, inguinal region).1-5

In this retrospective study, records of 193 dogs presented with dermal tumors to a university teaching hospital over a 30-year period were evaluated. Excluded from the study population were dogs with tumors involving the digit, oronasal, intrathoracic, and/or intra-abdominal sites. Differences in signalment, tumor location, and outcome of dogs with actinic SCC as compared with dogs with SCC without actinic changes were identified. Dogs with actinic SCC were found to be significantly younger and more likely to have multiple tumors; they were also significantly more likely to be of a predisposed breed, have a predisposed coat color, and have tumors in a predisposed location. In contrast, dogs with tumors lacking features of actinic change had a shorter survival time and higher risk for metastasis to the lungs and regional lymph nodes. Breeds overrepresented in this group included golden retrievers, German shepherd dogs, and Labrador retrievers. The 3 most common tumor locations for SCC without actinic change included the periarticular, ventral cervical, and perianal regions.

This study demonstrates that there are 2 clinically distinct groups of dermal SCC: actinic SCC, in which dogs experience a less aggressive clinical course of disease, and SCC without actinic change, in which dogs are at higher risk for an aggressive clinical course of disease. An understanding of these 2 distinct clinical groups can help clinicians make recommendations for an appropriate diagnostic investigation and counsel the owner on the patient’s prognosis.

Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.
Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.

Figure Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.

Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.
Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.

Figure Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.

Figure Multiple pinpoint actinic dermal SCCs at the medial aspect of the pelvic limb in a dog. This dog has light pigmented skin with minimal fur in the region the tumors developed.


… TO YOUR PATIENTS

Key pearls to put into practice:

1

Two major clinical presentations may be seen in dogs with dermal SCC, with differing clinical courses and outcomes in each group.

 

2

Dogs at risk for development of actinic SCC often have nonpigmented skin and a light coat color, are younger, and/or have multiple tumors. The clinical course of this disease is typically less aggressive, and surgery alone can provide long-term control.

3

Dogs with SCC without actinic change often experience an aggressive clinical course and have a high risk for metastasis and shorter survival times; tumors tend to be located in the periarticular, ventral cervical, and perianal regions. Over-represented breeds include golden retrievers, German shepherd dogs, and Labrador retrievers.

References

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy