Most of these tumors occur on the head. The initial appearance can consist of crusting or hyperemic plaques. Left untreated, SCC will progress to a highly invasive and ulcerative condition, making surgical excision difficult or impossible.
Preneoplastic lesions can also progress to the malignant state, Surgery is the mainstay of therapy.
Aggressive surgical intervention, even for early lesions, is advised. Recent techniques in reconstructive surgery have been developed to allow large tumors to be excised. Additional local therapies include cryosurgery, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, and intralesional chemotherapy. Veterinarians should routinely examine all cats for signs of SCC and should perform a full-thickness biopsy of all suspicious lesions. Therapy should be initiated promptly when SCC or its preneoplastic counterpart is diagnosed.