+ Biologic Behavior
Feline tongue tumors are most commonly SCC on occur on the ventral surface of the tongue near the frenulum
+ Diagnosis
- Wedge incisional biopsy closed with horizontal mattress sutures
- Regional lymph node FNA for staging purposes
+ Treatment
- Partial glossectomy if tumor is confined to the lateral or rostral half of the tongue
- ± Radiation therapy if inoperable or metastatic to the regional lymph nodes
+ Prognosis
- Prognosis depends on site, type, and grade of tumor
- Drinking and eating may be impaired but hydration and nutrition can be maintained
- Poor coat hygiene in cats due to effect of partial glossectomy on grooming
- Thermoregulation can be a problem in hot and humid environments
- Rostral tongue tumors have better prognosis as earlier detection and easier to excise with wider margins, while the caudal tongue has richer vascular and lymphatic supply for metastasis
- 12-month survival rate 25%