Basal Cell Epithelioma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Animals

Basal cell epitheliomas and squamous cell carcinomas are common in dogs and cats. Their biologic behavior appears to be comparable to that of their human counterparts. Nasal solar dermatitis (collie nose) and feline solar dermatitis are conditions in which hereditary-anatomic factors may predispose to intensive actinic damage and the eventual development of squamous cell carcinoma. The pathogenesis of both entities is reminiscent of that of xeroderma pigmentosa of man. Nasal solar dermatitis and feline solar dermatitis could serve as excellent models for the study of spontaneous carcinogenesis.