Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and pharynx in horses.

This research paper reviews the medical records of 11 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (a type of cancer) in the throat of horses, and discusses the complications of surgical treatment due to the cancer’s location, size, and invasive nature.

Study Sample and Presentation

• This study is based on a review of medical records of 11 horses diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the larynx and/or pharynx. This type of cancer affects the flat cells lining these parts of the horse’s throat.
• The horses included in this research had an average age of 15.3 years at the time of diagnosis.
• There was no evidence to suggest a predilection for this type of cancer according to breed or sex, meaning it could potentially affect any horse regardless of its breed or gender.
• Out of the 11 horses, 6 presented with dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and 4 had an inspiratory stridor (a high-pitched wheezing sound resulting from disrupted airflow).

Diagnostic Techniques and Results

• Endoscopy was performed on all cases for diagnosis. This procedure, which involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end into the horse’s throat, proved more useful in demonstrating a mass in the laryngopharyngeal region than radiography of the larynx or the guttural pouch (an air-filled sac located near the horse’s inner ear).

Surgical Treatment and Outcomes

• Surgery was attempted in just 3 of the 11 cases. In one of these cases, surgery managed to alleviate the horse’s clinical symptoms for a period of 4 months.
• 10 out of the 11 horses were euthanized, and 1 died naturally.

Conclusions and Implications

• The results of this study revealed that surgical excision of laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in horses is problematic due to the location, size and invasiveness of these tumors.
• Often, treatment is not attempted because the disease is usually in an advanced state by the time it is diagnosed and presents clinically.
• This study underscores the complexity and poor prognosis of laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in horses, and highlights the importance of early detection and further research into more effective interventions.