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Radical removal of one ear due to squamous cell carcinoma

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Lili Duda, VMD
Last Modified: July 7, 2002

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
We have a rescued 10-month-old kitten scheduled to undergo radical removal of one ear due to squamous cell carcinoma. The ear is to be removed to the skull. We're very concerned about the impact of such a radical excision on the kitten's quality of life. What will this mean to her hearing and comfort?  

Lili Duda, VMD, Section Editor of the OncoLink Veterinary Oncology Menu, responds:

Other than the post-op recovery time, removal of the ear is not a problem other than the cosmetic appearance of the cat. What is much more concerning is that a one-year old cat is very young to have a squamous cell carcinoma, and I'd be concerned about other underlying immune-compromise or other squamous cell carcinomas elsewhere on the body. If you or your veterinarian have not already done so, please consult a qualified veterinary oncologist to further explore the treatment options for your pet.