Squamous Cell Carcinoma in cats ears

robin623

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Hi My cat has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He will have what vet calls a surgical procedure called “total ear canal ablation with bulla osteotomy”, which means removal of the ear canals and entire ear drum. Has anybody's cat had to go through this? What happened and how did the cat cope afterwards?

Any information will be greatly appreciated, as I am going bonkers here with worry about it, and don't know anybody whose pet had this and can ask. Apparently a common cause for this is too much sun on light/white cats skin. My cat is not white and has never been a sun worshipper, as he really only has been out to do his business or for walks with me.
 
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rosiemac

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Oh my goodness l'm so sorry. The poor baby having to go through this.

Hopefully someone will be able to answer your question. I know l always put sunblock on Sophie's ears when she's in the conservatory(sun room) but her ears are white

Lots of healthy
coming your little boys way
 

pushylady

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Oh my goodness, poor cat. I don't know of this procedure either, but I'm sure your cat can adjust to the hearing loss afterwards. Is it just the one ear being removed?
Think of all the cats and dogs who have their leg amputated and they recover and live good quality lives afterwards.
 

jiskefet

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Skin cancer may indeed be induced by UV light, but it is like lung cancer in humans, smoking triggers it, but not everyone who smokes gets cancer, and some people who never smoked in their life, do. Certain forms of irritation may trigger the degeneration of cells into cancer cells, but sometimes you simply don't know why it happens.
 

It must be really worrying for you, but I am glad it is 'just' squamous cell carcinoma and not melanoma, which is much more aggressive. By removing the affected area your cat will be as good as new, and he will learn to adapt to losing his ear. Many old cats and albino cats are completely deaf, and they can cope, too.

Removing the cancer is your main worry, and the prognosis for SCC is quite good.
 

windy

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My cat went through the TICA 2 weeks ago and the prognosis is bleak.  How long did you cat have quality life after the surgery?  Did you do chemo or radiation?
 
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