Congenital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a lamb

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is of great economic importance in sheep producing countries. The present report records-for the first time-a case of congenital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a 10-day-old male lamb. The neoplasm appeared as an ulcerated, blackish tumor of bad odor at the left supra-orbital area. The sub-mandibular and pre-scapular lymph nodes were swollen. Corneal opacity and purulent ocular discharge were also observed in the related eye. Cut section of the neoplasm revealed reddish white, fleshy moist surface with ulcerated blackish overlying layer. Microscopically, the neoplasm had numerous keratin pearls, extensive fibrous stroma and leucocytic cell infiltration mainly neutrophils and lymphocytes. The neoplastic cells showed mitotic figures. Surgical excision of the neoplasm under local infiltration analgesia was curative without recurrence. In conclusion, ovine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may occur as a congenital affection.