Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)?

Tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous epithelium. The epithelium is a part of the four different types of animal tissue. There are three others, which are muscle tissue, connective tissue, and nervous tissue. In the epithelial cells, there are three shapes of other cells called cuboidal, columnar, and squamous. The glands in your dog’s body are made of these epithelial cells and their functions are to sense, transport, absorb, and secrete materials like blood and other cells. When one of these cancer cells show up in the squamous epithelium, it multiplies rapidly and spreads to other parts of your dog’s body, such as the bones, lungs, brain, and other vital organs. That is why it is so important to get treatment as early as possible, which can be difficult if the symptoms do not become evident until sufficient damage has already been done. The best way to avoid this from happening is with regular annual checkups at the veterinarian or clinic. The cause of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is (as is the case with most types of cancer) not known, but veterinary medical experts believe it has something to do with environmental pollution because it is much more common in cities than in rural areas. In addition, large breeds are more susceptible to tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma, and it is much more common in male dogs and those over the age of seven.

Although tonsil cancer (tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma) is an uncommon condition, it is the second most common oral tumor in dogs. As with many other cancers, tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is classified as primary or secondary. Primary means that the cancer originated in the tonsils, and secondary means that the cancer has spread to the tonsils from another part of the body. Just like any other kind of cancer, the earlier it is found and treated, the better the chances for survival. However, the chances are high that the cancer will already have spread to the lungs through the lymph nodes. Whether the tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is primary or secondary, this is a fast growing cancer and has a high (over 70%) metastatic rate, so the prognosis is usually not good.

Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) Average Cost

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Average Cost

$9,500

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Symptoms of Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

Signs of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma are usually not noticeable until the tumor is large enough to cause symptoms, or if it has spread to other parts of the body. In many cases, the tumor is found during a routine examination by a veterinarian, which is another reason it is good for your dog to see the veterinarian at least once per year. Some of the most common symptoms of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma are:

  • Cough
  • More tired than usual
  • Lump or swelling on face, neck, or inside the mouth
  • Foul breath
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Blood tinged saliva
  • Significant loss of weight
  • Trouble eating and drinking
  • Having a hard time swallowing
  • Gasping for breath

Types

  • Primary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma originates in the tonsils
  • Secondary tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma spreads from somewhere else in the body

Causes of Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

The true cause of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is unknown, but these are some of the risk factors suggested by experts:

  • Much more common in the city than in the country
  • Large breed dogs are more frequently affected
  • Almost all dogs with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma are over seven years of age

Diagnosis of Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

The veterinarian will do a full body examination, paying special attention to your dog’s mouth and throat. He will measure your dog’s weight, blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and pulse oximetry to see how much oxygen is being circulated in the blood. At this time, it is a good idea to fill the veterinarian in on what has been going on with your dog, if there have been any episodes of strange behavior, any recent sickness or trauma, or changes in appetite. Once the physical examination is done, the veterinarian will run some diagnostic tests, such as a cytology test done by using a thin needle to extract some cells from the tumor or lymph nodes. Once the cells are extracted, they are examined microscopically to check for cancer cells. The veterinarian will also take some blood for CBC, blood gas, chemical analysis, clotting test, and glucose levels. Imaging with x-rays, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound may be done as well, especially to determine if the cancer has spread. The CT scan is best for viewing the lungs because it is more sensitive and detailed.

Treatment of Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

The treatment for your dog’s tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma depends on how advanced it is, how far the cancer has spread, as well as the age and health of your dog. Surgery to remove the cancer and the surrounding tissue, bone, and lymph nodes is the best option if your dog is healthy and the cancer has not spread. However, it is important to remember that the average survival rate with this cancer is approximately four months, even with aggressive treatment. Radiation therapy is also recommended after surgery and for tumors that are unable to be removed surgically. This usually includes daily treatments of low doses of radiation. The side effects can be rough for some dogs, and may not be feasible if that occurs.

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Recovery of Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) in Dogs

The survival rate with both treatments together is only six to eight months, with the tumors recurring in almost 100% of the cases. Sometimes the best choice is palliative care, to make your dog comfortable for the time he has left.

Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) Average Cost

From 54 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000

Average Cost

$9,500

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Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Australian Shepherd

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Chuta

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7 Years

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6 found this helpful

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6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Might Yelp If Eating Or Barking
Just found out that our Australian Shepherd has tonsil cancer. Still behaving normally. Sometimes a yelp when eating or barking. When the took the biopsy they gave him an anti inflammatory and his symptoms disappeared. We are able to put him back on the antiinflammatory, but wonder what is his life expectancy with no additional treatment, as with radiation and chemo they said 8-9 months. Is he in pain now other than when he yelps? Thanks.

Aug. 6, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

6 Recommendations

I wish that I could give you an accurate answer about Chuta and what to expect, but without seeing him and knowing what his particular situation is, I can't say how he will do or what to expect, as every dog is different. Since your veterinarian has seen his tonsils, knows what his health status is and how he is doing, they would be a better person to ask these questions of, and they may just need to give you more information. Hopefully the anti-inflammatory helps with the pain he feels when he yelps.

Aug. 6, 2018

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Border Collie

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Oli

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10 Years

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5 found this helpful

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5 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Fatigue
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Eating
Difficulty Drinking
Hi there my 10.5 year old male border collie has been living with tonsicular squamous cell carcinoma for two years now. Initially the tonsil was removed and Oli took the chemo intravenously. Then we moved to injecting chemo directly into the site. While he is still very interested in walks and people and eating, in the last six months he had slowed down quite a lot. So much so he almost seems to tired to continue with chemo, plus the site is eroded quite a bit and we risk eating into the good tissue to far and nearby arteries / nerves. We have not given Oli chemo for six weeks. I can hear in his breathing that the tumour has grown significantly. His breathing during sleep is now particularly restricted. It is though he may pass of suffocation... Which is extremely upsetting. I believe if we cut the tumour out again he may be at risk of drowning during the surgery due to bleeding. I was going to learn of the last stages and last symptoms of this cancer / suffocation so I can see it early... I really couldn't cope if his last precious moments were choking and gasping for air.

March 24, 2018


5 Recommendations

When a tumour grows rapidly in this location, it is possible for the airway to be obstructed at anytime, Oli just needs to position the head a certain way whilst sleeping and the airway may be obstructed. You need to make a decision which you are comfortable with, taking into account the breathing changes since you stopped chemotherapy and the changes in behaviour/activity; I cannot really give you any constructive advice here as I haven’t examined Oli and cannot really weigh in. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

March 24, 2018

Thank you very much Dr Turner. Of course, understood and many thanks again fro your time.

March 24, 2018

Oli's Owner

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Tonsil Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) Average Cost

From 54 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000

Average Cost

$9,500

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