Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Planum

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum is a type of skin cancer that arises from the flat cells lining the surface of the nose leather—the hairless, pigmented area at the tip of a dog's or cat's nose. These tumours grow locally, often beginning as a small rough patch or persistent sore that does not heal, and over time can erode into the surrounding tissue. They tend to occur in older animals and are more common in those with lighter or unpigmented skin on the nose, particularly in cats. Owners often notice a change in the appearance of the nose itself: a crusted area, a raised or ulcerated lesion, occasional bleeding, or a gradual loss of the normal smooth texture. The lesion may be present for weeks or months before prompting concern, and it can be mistaken for an injury, infection, or allergic reaction at first. In cats, these changes are sometimes subtle and progress slowly. This page explores the signals that may raise suspicion, what is happening in the tissue beneath the surface, how the condition is investigated through biopsy and imaging, and the range of approaches—surgical, radiation-based, and supportive—that may be considered depending on the extent and location of the tumour.