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My cat has an oozing, bleeding face spot. Is it SCC or a tumor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 years and 2 months old | 10 lbs

Hi, our cat has a spot on her face that is oozing & bleeding at times. The Vet said it was SCC and they wanted to do surgery. I don't want to put her thru a surgery that would remove part of her face & Jaw. i have been looking for pictures on line and what i have seen as being SCC doesn't really look like what she has.. Or maybe i just am hoping. If you could please give me your opnion i would appreciate it. Also, do you think this is painful? she is curr on antibiotics and pain med. tk u!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on June 28th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a malignant tumor unfortunately. Cats are very well known for having a mouth tumor called squamous cell carcinoma which carries a poor prognosis. However, it could still be something else and this is quite inside of the mouth unless there is also tumor on the inside. The only way to know is by doing some sampling via fine needle aspiration or possibly a biopsy. If squamous cell carcinoma is confirmed, it is not likely at all to respond to steroids or antibiotics much other than mild decrease in inflammation. Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is limited by how aggressive this tumor is though sometimes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are options. Sorry for the sad news. Let's hope it is more on the benign side. Good luck and have a great day!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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