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September 10, 2025Open Access

A retrospective study of oral tumors in cats in Switzerland identifies squamous cell carcinoma as the predominant tumor type

Puntos clave

Malignant oral tumors dominate at 82%, with squamous cell carcinoma making up 70.5% of cases diagnosed.
Among 294 included cases, the most affected breed was the European Shorthair, representing 80.6% of tumors.
The study documented historical trends of oral tumors in cats, emphasizing the need for better awareness and detection.
Older cats, with a median age of 13 years, showed the highest frequency of oral tumors, particularly malignant types.

Resumen

Abstract Objective The study investigated the distribution, types, and geographic distribution of oral tumors in cats in Switzerland, providing insights into demographics, tumor features, and emerging trends. Methods We analyzed pathology records of oral tumors in cats diagnosed between 2012 and 2022 from diagnostic laboratories in Switzerland. Only histologically confirmed neoplasms were included; inflammatory and cystic lesions were excluded. Geographic distributions were assessed using postal addresses. Results Among 339 reports of oral tumors in cats, 294 met inclusion criteria. Malignant tumors dominated 82.0% (241 of 294), with squamous cell carcinoma most prevalent (70.5% 170 of 241), followed by fibrosarcoma (7.2% 19 of 241), melanoma (4.6% 11 of 241), and adenocarcinoma (4.6% 11 of 241). Benign tumors represented 18.0% (53 of 294), mostly with peripheral odontogenic fibroma (8.2% 24 of 294). Squamous cell carcinoma was commonly located on the tongue (24.0% 33 of 137), accounting for all tumors identified in the sublingual region (100% 17 of 17). Peripheral odontogenic fibroma occurred mainly in caudal mandibles (41.7% 10 of 24). Histopathologic analysis revealed that ulceration and necrosis were frequent in malignant cases, with a broader range and higher mitotic indices ( P < .0001). The European Shorthair was the most commonly represented breed (80.6% 237 of 294), and older cats (median age 13 years) were most affected. Conclusions The results emphasize the high frequency of malignant oral tumors, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, in cats in Switzerland, consistent with trends observed in other regions, and identified distinct histopathologic characteristics differentiating malignant from benign cases. Clinical Relevance Investigating the prevalence, types, and geographic distribution of oral tumors in cats in Switzerland may support awareness, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and potentially better clinical outcomes.

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