squamous cell carcinoma in 15 year old cat

[carenQ]

My 15 year old cat "Q" who is otherwise very healthy, has squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of his nose.  Since having a biopsy, the spot has grown larger and more angry looking.  I took him to a specialist vet in my area, who told me that it was difficult to give a determination of risks vs rewards of excision and flap graft, rather than letting the cat continue in his otherwise happy circumstance.  Can you advise?

[carenQ]

Thank you for your thoughts while I try to decide whether or not Q should undergo surgery to remove the cancer on his nose.  I keep vascilating: one moment thinking it will be best just to leave it alone and let him enjoy his golden years, but in the next moment I think that his years may be extended if the cancer is removed.

Our vet has told us that in Q's case, the prognosis is indefinate due to Q's age, the size of the lesion and it's location.

Again, thanks to everyone for providing your experiences.  It will help me to help Q.

[Jade59]

My cat also had Squamous Cell Carcinoma.  It was on her ears which we ended up having amputated.  Caren, we went ahead with the surgery not only due to the location but our vet was able to give us very good odds especially since Jade's lung xray was negative so it hadn't metastasized.  Given the age of Q and the location of the cancer, I have to agree with the others.  Surgery was very traumatizing for Jade...and risky since she's older and your boy is even Older so...

The only good thing I can tell you is Jade came to us in 06 with these lesions ALL OVER her ears and it was another 3yrs before they started to take a really serious turn so maybe Q has more time left than you might think.  I am so sorry Q received this diagnosis and we are here for you, whatever you should decide.    

[Fluffysmom]

Hi, my Fluffy is almost 16 and was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in March of this year.  His is on the left side of his face over his upper jaw, causing a lump.  I thought it was a dental problem at first.

I'm not sure how different the s.q. is that causes visible lesions.  If you're interested in my journey, you can check out some of my previous posts here, and the pictures of Fluffy in my photos on my home page.  I have lots of pictures, so you have to look back a ways to see how he's changed.

I know that my vet has been very kind and supportive, and has given me some pretty straight answers.  I hope that you and "Q" have a good relationship with your vet.  

If you have any questions for me, please don't hesitate to ask.  

[PrettyKitty1]

I agree with Linda. He is 15 y.o and has lived a long and happy life. At this point, I would not do surgery but rather let him enjoy life. You will know when his time has come, and I'm sure you'll do the right thing in preventing suffering.

Good Luck!

[LindaTX]

I am so sorry that you and "Q" are having to deal with this.  At 15 I don't know that I would expose him to anything that's going to make him uncomfortable when the outcome may not result in a longer quality of life.  There are many on this forum who have dealt with this type of cancer and I'm sure they can and will answer many of your questions.  Please give "Q" a hug for me.

[nancyjac]

I'm not sure what kind of advice you are looking for.  Whether or not to have surgery?  Only you can determine that based on your financial situation and the condition of the cat.