E-ISSN 2218-6050 | ISSN 2226-4485
 

Case Report 


Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis

Kenichi Maeda, Naomi Kawasaki, Satomi Iwai, Shozo Okano.


Abstract
Background:
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in cats are generally regarded as benign skin tumors with low metastatic potential. However, rare cases of aggressive behavior and metastasis, primarily in the context of facial lesions, have been reported.

Case Description:
A 12-year-old neutered male Scottish Fold cat presented with a chronic, non-healing ulcer on the left hock. The initial excision lacked a histopathological diagnosis, and the lesion recurred. Biopsy of the lesion confirmed basal cell carcinoma. Despite limb amputation with clear margins and no regional lymph node involvement, distant cutaneous nodules appeared six months later and were histologically confirmed as metastatic BCC with lymphatic and perineural invasion. Wide-margin resections and systemic chemotherapy with carboplatin were performed; however, further lesions developed, and the cat succumbed to progressive disease.

Conclusion:
This case highlights a rare and aggressive variant of feline BCC arising outside the head and neck region. The lesion demonstrated metastatic spread, perineural and lymphatic invasion, and a poor response to treatment. Early histopathological evaluation of chronic skin ulcers is essential, and recognition of aggressive subtypes may facilitate more effective clinical management.

Key words: Basal cell carcinoma; Cat; Metastasis; Perineural invasion; Chemotherapy.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Maeda K, Kawasaki N, Iwai S, Okano S. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63


Web Style

Maeda K, Kawasaki N, Iwai S, Okano S. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. https://www.openveterinaryjournal.com/?mno=283856 [Access: December 31, 2025]. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Maeda K, Kawasaki N, Iwai S, Okano S. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Maeda K, Kawasaki N, Iwai S, Okano S. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



Harvard Style

Maeda, K., Kawasaki, . N., Iwai, . S. & Okano, . S. (2025) Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



Turabian Style

Maeda, Kenichi, Naomi Kawasaki, Satomi Iwai, and Shozo Okano. 2025. Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



Chicago Style

Maeda, Kenichi, Naomi Kawasaki, Satomi Iwai, and Shozo Okano. "Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis." doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Maeda, Kenichi, Naomi Kawasaki, Satomi Iwai, and Shozo Okano. "Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis." doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Maeda, K., Kawasaki, . N., Iwai, . S. & Okano, . S. (2025) Aggressive basal cell carcinoma in a non-facial location in a cat: Perineural and lymphatic invasion with metastasis. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i12.63