Figure 5 Feline squamous cell carcinoma in situ, Bowen disease
SCC in situ in a cat. SCCs are malignant cutaneous neoplasms routinely diagnosed in dogs and cats. Lightly pigmented dogs and cats can develop neoplastic skin lesions resulting from ultraviolet light exposure. However, SCCs in situ (ie, Bowen disease) are less common in cats and develop regardless of ultraviolet light exposure. Note that this lesion, located above the left eye, is plaque-like and pigmented, which is atypical of SCC neoplasms. Lesions consistent with those of Bowen disease are multiple in number and frequently located on the head but can also be located on the skin of the neck, dorsal trunk, and limbs. As lesions progress, they can bleed easily with minimal manipulation.