Ear and Nose Cancer in White Cats

What is ear and nose cancer?

Known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), this is the most common type of cancer that will appear in the nose and ears of white cats – though it will only appear in white areas, not in places that hold pigment. Though they are highly invasive locally, they are generally slow to spread. However, if left untreated for long enough, it will spread to regional lymph nodes.

Diagnosis methods

These cancers initially appear as small scabs, which owners often mistake as sores from fights or from roaming the garden. However, these non-healing scabs are actually precancerous changes, and is the earliest sign that the owner will receive. As the changes continue to progress, a more obvious ulceration of the affected tissue will appear, as well as weeping and secondary bacterial infections. As the cancer continues to progress, we see severe tissue destruction. Whilst these later stages are still treatable, there is a higher risk that the cancer has already spread.

Treatment options

In the early stages of SCC, the nose of the cat can be readily treated with cryotherapy, using liquid nitrogen and a general anaesthetic. This treatment allows for little to no changes to the appearance of the cat. Where the SCC has advanced or is invasive, the nose will have to be treated surgically and can result in significant aesthetic changes – though it is still treatable in most cases.

If the SCC is apparent in the ear, immediate removal of the complete ear at the base is recommended. If the affected portion only is removed, the disease will often reoccur in the remainder of the ear. By removing the entire ear, there is less cost for the owner and only one surgery for the cat.