+ Biologic Behavior

  • Tonsillar SCC associated with environmental pollution as 10-times more common in urban areas
  • Tonsillar SCC are usually plaque or cauliflower lesions involving 1 tonsil
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common signs (ipsilateral, contralateral, or bilateral)
  • Metastasis to the regional lymph node in 98% and lungs in 63% dogs
  • Other tonsillar tumors:
  • LSA (usually bilateral and associated with generalized lymphadenopathy)
  • Malignant melanoma (metastatic or primary)

+ Treatment

  • Surgery: tonsillectomy is rarely curative
  • Radiation therapy: 75% control of local disease
  • Chemotherapy is usually ineffective, but piroxicam, cisplatin, and bleomycin have been used with limited success

+ Prognosis

12-month survival rate < 10%