Eyelid tumour in cats: squamous cell carcinoma

Question

11-year-old white domestic shorthair cat that spends many hours sunbathing on a terrace, with a 6 mm crusted, ulcerated lesion on the margin of the left lower eyelid that has not healed for two months. The eyelid skin is unpigmented.

Which statement is correct?

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A. In cats most eyelid tumours are malignant; squamous cell carcinoma is most likely and early biopsy and excision with margins, with eyelid reconstruction if needed, is advisable

Correct. Unlike in dogs, feline eyelid tumours are usually malignant. Squamous cell carcinoma is linked to ultraviolet radiation on unpigmented skin. The earlier it is treated, the easier it is to preserve eyelid function.

B. It is most likely a benign meibomian adenoma, as in dogs

Meibomian adenoma is the typical canine eyelid tumour; it is rare in cats, and most feline eyelid masses are malignant.

C. It is bacterial blepharitis: antibiotic ointment and recheck in a month

An ulcerated lesion that has not healed in two months in a sun-exposed white cat should be biopsied. Delaying diagnosis allows the tumour to invade the eyelid and conjunctiva, complicating reconstruction.

D. It is an eyelid mast cell tumour, which in cats is always benign and needs no treatment

Mast cell tumours can occur on the feline eyelid and some have a good prognosis, but they should not be left undiagnosed or untreated, and an ulcerated appearance on sun-exposed white skin suggests squamous cell carcinoma.

lightbulb Key takeaway

White cat + sun + non-healing lesion on eyelid, nose or ears = biopsy. On the eyelid, small lesions can be treated with surgery, cryotherapy or radiotherapy; large ones require reconstructive techniques. Reduce sun exposure.

Which statement is correct?

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