What is a common treatment approach for squamous cell carcinoma in equine patients?

Surgery and chemotherapy are commonly used in treating squamous cell carcinoma in equine patients, making this a standard approach. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor that can significantly affect the health and quality of life of horses, particularly when it involves easily accessible areas like the eyelids, lips, and mucous membranes.

Surgical excision is often the first-line treatment, aiming to remove the tumor along with some margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal and reduce the chance of recurrence. Depending on the tumor's size, location, and stage, chemotherapy may be used as an adjunct treatment. This could involve the application of chemotherapeutic agents directly to the tumor site or systemic chemotherapy to address any systemic spread of cancer cells.

While other treatments can be used in specific cases, such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy, they are not as commonly employed as standard treatment options for SCC in horses. Topical medications may help in managing the condition, especially in superficial lesions, but they typically do not suffice as standalone treatments for more invasive cases. This multifaceted approach ensures that both local control of the tumor and potential metastatic disease are effectively managed.