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Should my older cat's ear ulcer be surgically removed for SCC?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 13 years and 2 months old | 6.5 lbs

Cat, age ~13+ with ear ulcer-photos through a year. First diagnosed year ago by oncologist-dermatosis(scabs,hair loss,tested positively for microsporum, resigned from incision biopsy because of general anesthaesia needed). Different topical drugs for long time-some efect,but not cure. Oral terbinafine ~120mg/day for 2,5months(with breaks)-the same. New vet tested again for fungal and bacterial infections-negative. Suggested surgical pinna removal (SCC suspected). Would it be better diagnosis?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 6th, 2019

Yes, I would strongly suspect squamous cell carcinoma in an older white colored cat. The microsporum was likely an incidental finding. If this was my cat I would definitely remove the pinna and send it to a lab for histopathology. If it is SCC, the surgery should be curative. Here is a link to a good article about this problem: ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952685 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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