Squamous cell carcinoma in a captive Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica): clinical management and pathological findings

An adult male Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) exhibited thickened, hyperkeratotic skin between dorsal scales. Initial wound management led to temporary resolution, but a proliferative, hemorrhagic mass developed 11 weeks later. Histopathological examination confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Surgical excision followed by cryotherapy was performed. Despite histological evidence of complete tumor ablation, the animal’s condition deteriorated due to secondary infection and poor wound healing. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing SCC in pangolins due to their unique integumentary anatomy. This is the first documented case of cutaneous SCC in a Sunda pangolin and expands the known disease spectrum in this critically endangered species.