Oral And Maxillofacial Cancers In Dogs And Cats

Oral and maxillofacial cancers are relatively common in dogs and cats. They often present as visible or palpable growths within the mouth, jaw, or surrounding facial structures. Dogs’ most frequent malignant tumours include oral melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is by far the most common cancer in cats. It is typically aggressive and has a poor prognosis if detected late.

Due to their invasive growth, oral tumours can cause severe local disease, destroying bone, teeth, and surrounding soft tissues. Even when small, oral tumours can be biologically aggressive and metastasise to local lymph nodes or the lungs.

Early detection and accurate staging are crucial in determining treatment options, often requiring surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.

Pets with oral or maxillofacial tumors may present with:

• Visible oral mass or swelling of the jaw.
• Drooling, halitosis (bad breath), or bleeding from the mouth.
• Difficulty eating, chewing, or swallowing.
• Loose teeth or jaw pain.
• Facial deformity or swelling in advanced cases.

Diagnosis requires oral examination under anaesthesia, a biopsy for histopathology, and regional lymph node assessment. Conventional imaging with radiographs provides important structural detail, but may miss small or early metastatic lesions. This is where PET-CT offers significant added value.

Oral cancers can be deceptive: some appear localised but have already metastasised, while others appear extensive but are biologically less aggressive. PET-CT provides metabolic insight that transforms decision-making.

Key advantages include:

• Whole-body staging detects metastasis to local lymph nodes, lungs, or distant sites that conventional imaging might miss.
• Helps define actual tumour boundaries by distinguishing viable tumour tissue from inflammation, infection, or necrosis.
• Identifies metabolically active tumour margins, allowing focused radiation delivery while sparing healthy structures.
• Tracks metabolic response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy, helping vets adjust protocols early if treatments aren’t effective.
• Higher tracer uptake can indicate more aggressive disease, guiding treatment intensity and owner discussions.

Oral and maxillofacial cancers present unique challenges due to their visible, invasive nature and their impact on a pet’s quality of life. PET Theranostics PET-CT scan diagnotics offers the most advanced staging and treatment-planning tool. We exist to complement vets and help ensure decisions are based on clear and comprehensive information. Patients must be referred via their primary care vet. Referrals are open now.