Does your cat have crusty ears, a scabby nose, or a sore that just won’t heal?

It may look minor — but it could be Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), one of the most destructive and painful skin cancers seen in cats.

What often begins as a small black crust, pink scaly patch, or persistent sore can quietly progress into a malignant ulcer that causes irreversible tissue damage if left untreated.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is an aggressive skin cancer caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Unlike cancers that spread internally first, SCC is locally invasive — meaning it destroys the surrounding healthy tissue as it grows.

SCC most commonly affects areas with little hair and pigment, including:

• Ear tips
• Nose (nasal planum)
• Eyelids
• Lips

Why SCC Is So Dangerous

• Severe Tissue Destruction

SCC doesn’t simply form a lump. It actively erodes healthy tissue. When left untreated, it can:

• Destroy ear tips completely
• Eat away at the nose, sometimes exposing bone
• Affect eyelids and compromise the eyes

• Often More Than One Lesion

Nearly 50% of cats diagnosed with SCC have multiple affected areas. If you notice one crust or ulcer, it’s essential to check:

• Both ears
• Eyelids
• Nose and lips

• Sun-Driven — and Largely Preventable

UV radiation is the primary cause of SCC. Cats at highest risk include:

• White cats
• Light-coloured or thin-furred cats
• Cats that enjoy sunbathing outdoors or near windows

Even indoor cats are not immune — UV rays pass through glass.

Early Signs vs. Advanced Disease

Early Stage: Actinic Dermatitis

These early changes are far easier — and far less invasive — to treat:

• Pink or red scaly skin
• Small black crusts
• Mild sores that heal and recur
• Hair loss on ear tips or nose

This is the stage where early treatment can prevent cancer progression.

Advanced SCC

Once the disease progresses, signs may include:

• Open, bleeding ulcers
• Thickened or deformed tissue
• Visible tissue loss
• Pain, infection, and unpleasant odour

At this stage, treatment becomes significantly more aggressive and complex.

How SCC Is Diagnosed

If SCC is suspected, your veterinarian may recommend:

• A skin biopsy
• Cytology (cell sampling)
• A full-body examination to check for additional lesions

Early diagnosis dramatically improves treatment options and outcomes.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how early SCC is detected:

Early lesions may be managed with:

• Cryotherapy (freezing abnormal cells)
• Topical medications
• Photodynamic therapy

Advanced lesions may require:

• Surgical removal (often extensive)
• Radiation therapy
• Palliative care in severe cases

Once tissue destruction has begun, surgery may involve partial or complete removal of affected areas.

How to Protect Your Cat

Limit Sun Exposure

Keep white or light-coloured cats indoors during peak UV hours (10am–4pm).

Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen

Apply pet-approved, waterproof SPF 30+ sunscreen to:

• Ear tips
• Nose

Never use human sunscreen — many products are toxic to cats.

Act Quickly

Book a veterinary visit immediately if you notice:

• Any wound that doesn’t heal
• Persistent crusting or scabbing
• Red, pink, or black scaly patches

Final Message

If it doesn’t heal, keeps crusting, or keeps coming back, it is not “just a scab.”

Early action can mean the difference between simple treatment and devastating surgery — or worse.

Your vigilance can save your cat’s face… and their life.

If you’re concerned about a lesion on your cat, contact Bruma Lake Veterinary Clinic for advice and assessment.