Squamous cell carcinoma in horses.
Abstract: In a review of neoplasm registry records at Kansas State University (1961 through 1971), 58 squamous cell carcinomas were reported in 10 breeds of horses. Mean age of the affected horses was 12.4 years. The head, eye and ocular adnexa accounted for 43.1%, the external male genitalia, 44.8%, and female perineal region, 12.0% of the squamous cell carcinomas, altogether representing 20.2% of 287 neoplasms recorded.
Publication Date: 1976-01-01 PubMed ID: 1245449
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article revolves around the analysis of squamous cell carcinoma in horses, conducted at Kansas state university. It provides data collected from 1961 to 1971 indicating that this form of cancer was identified in 58 horses from 10 different breeds, primarily impacting the head and eyes, male genitalia, and female perineal region.
Overview of Research Study
- The authors investigated the records of neoplasm (unusual tissue growth that can lead to cancer) registry at Kansas State University, covering a decade from 1961 to 1971.
- The data analysis revealed 58 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a common form of skin cancer, in horses belonging to 10 different breeds.
Key Findings
- The study found that the average age of horses affected by this foram of cancer was 12.4 years.
- The prominent areas of the body where the squamous cell carcinoma was identified include the head, eyes and their surrounding tissues(ocular adnexa), external male genitalia, and the female perineal region (the area between the anus and the vulva or scrotum).
- 43.1% of the identified squamous cell carcinomas were found in the head, eye and ocular adnexa, while 44.8% were found in the external male genitalia, and 12.0% in the female perineal region.
- In terms of the overall occurrence of neoplasms recorded in the studied period, squamous cell carcinomas represented a substantial 20.2% out of total 287 recorded neoplasms.
Conclusion
- These results imply that squamous cell carcinoma is a significant health concern in horses, particularly in certain areas of the body including the head and eyes, male genitalia and female perineal region.
- Further studies could explore why these particular areas are most affected and develop prevention strategies or treatments focused on these body parts.
Cite This Article
APA
Strafuss AC.
(1976).
Squamous cell carcinoma in horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 168(1), 61-62.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Kansas
- Male
- Penile Neoplasms / epidemiology
- Penile Neoplasms / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Miglinci L, Reicher P, Nell B, Koch M, Jindra C, Brandt S. Detection of Equine Papillomaviruses and Gamma-Herpesviruses in Equine Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pathogens 2023 Jan 23;12(2).
- Crausaz M, Launois T, Smith-Fleming K, McCoy AM, Knickelbein KE, Bellone RR. DDB2 Genetic Risk Factor for Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identified in Three Additional Horse Breeds. Genes (Basel) 2020 Dec 5;11(12).
- Chen L, Bellone RR, Wang Y, Singer-Berk M, Sugasawa K, Ford JM, Artandi SE. A novel DDB2 mutation causes defective recognition of UV-induced DNA damages and prevalent equine squamous cell carcinoma. DNA Repair (Amst) 2021 Jan;97:103022.
- Straticò P, Varasano V, Celani G, Suriano R, Petrizzi L. Long-Term Outcome of En Bloc Extensive Resection of the Penis and Prepuce Associated with a Permanent Perineal Urethrostomy in a Gelding Affected by Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Case Rep Vet Med 2016;2016:6989450.
- Laus F, Rossi G, Paggi E, Bordicchia M, Fratini M, Tesei B. Adenocarcinoma involving the tongue and the epiglottis in a horse. J Vet Med Sci 2014 Mar;76(3):467-70.
- Schwarz S, Kummer S, Klang A, Walter I, Nell B, Brandt S. Detection of vasculogenic mimicry in equine ocular, oronasal, and genital squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2026;21(1):e0328584.
- Quatember H, Nell B, Richter B, Rigler D, Dolezal M, Sykora S, Wallner B. Studying the Impact of the DDB2 T338M Missense Mutation on the Development of Equine Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Sarcoid. Animals (Basel) 2025 Mar 22;15(7).
- Giugliano R, Dell'Anno F, De Paolis L, Crescio MI, Ciccotelli V, Vivaldi B, Razzuoli E. Mammary gland, skin and soft tissue tumors in pet cats: findings of the feline tumors collected from 2002 to 2022. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1320696.
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