A cytological diagnosis from impression smears or a fine needle aspirate is possible in some cases. Biopsy is usually required for definitive diagnosis. Malignant melanomas are variable in appearance, pigmented or nonpigmented, and should be in the differential list for any oral tumor. Squamous cell carcinomas commonly involve the gingiva or tonsils, and lymphosarcoma should be in the differential diagnosis for an enlarged tonsil. Regional lymph nodes and the lungs should be evaluated for metastasises.
Surgical resection can extend the survival time by decreasing local recurrence.
Tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas are aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Fibrosarcomas have a poor prognosis because or their locally aggressive nature. Recurrence of tumor growth following resection is common. In cats, squamous cell carcinoma has a poor prognosis. And long-term survival is seen only if diagnosed early.