Biologic Behaviour

•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%