A Retrospective Study on the Histological and Clinical Features of 92 Feline Oral Neoplasms in Thailand

This retrospective study evaluated 92 feline oral neoplasms diagnosed in Thailand to characterize neoplasm types, anatomical distribution, and clinically relevant associations. Epithelial neoplasms accounted for 73% of all neoplasms, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common (67%). Other epithelial neoplasms such as ameloblastoma, amelanotic melanoma, and adenocarcinoma were uncommon. Mesenchymal neoplasms (27%) were more heterogeneous, encompassing fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, plasma cell tumors, and several rare entities. Cats with epithelial neoplasms were significantly older than those with mesenchymal neoplasms (11.0 ± 3.8 vs. 6.8 ± 4.1 years old; p < 0.001), while body weight, sex, clinical stage, and perioperative mortality did not differ between neoplasm types. Breed distribution varied by neoplasm origin, with epithelial neoplasms more common in domestic shorthair cats, and the maxillary gingiva was the most frequently affected site. Neoplasm size strongly correlated with disease stage, as neoplasms > 2 cm were associated with advanced stages, while neoplasms ≤ 2 cm were typically stage I. Antibiotic use was significantly more frequent in senior cats compared to mature/adult cats (p = 0.014). In summary, SCC is the most common oral tumor in cats, indicating the importance of routine oral examinations, particularly in senior cats.