Your cat was diagnosed with Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Solar-Induced). Solar-induced SCC. White or light-pigmented cats predisposed. UV exposure is primary risk factor. Better prognosis than oral SCC. Progression from actinic keratosis to carcinoma in situ to invasive SCC. Compare 5 treatment options for cats including Nosectomy (Surgical Excision), Accelerated External Beam RT (1-Week Protocol), HDR Brachytherapy — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.
Pet Cancer Options — Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Solar-Induced)
Feline Oncology Treatment Guide
Nasal Planum Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Solar-Induced)
variable (T1-T4)
Epithelial
About This Cancer
Nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma arises from the skin covering the nose (the nasal planum) in cats. It is primarily caused by chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure, and white or lightly pigmented cats are at dramatically higher risk — essentially, this is a sun-induced skin cancer analogous to certain forms in humans. The disease typically progresses through a recognisable sequence: initially, the nose develops redness and crusting (actinic keratosis), which advances to carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells confined to the surface), and eventually to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Early-stage disease responds well to several treatments including surgery (nosectomy), radiation therapy, and cryotherapy. The prognosis is significantly better than for oral SCC in cats, with cure possible when the disease is caught before deep invasion.
Practical T-Staging for Feline Nasal Planum SCC
Clinical staging based on tumour size, depth of invasion, and local extent. No universally standardised system; this represents consensus clinical practice.
Prognostic Factors(2)
Minimum Workup(5 steps)
Median Survival Time Comparison
How long the average patient survives with each treatment
Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.
Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.