In the Literature
Riker J, Rissi DR. A retrospective study of lingual lesions in 793 dogs and 406 cats at the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 2010-2020. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2025;37(1):176-183. doi:10.1177/1040638724127888
The Research …
Most oral lesions in dogs and cats affect the gingiva; lingual lesions are less commonly reported.1-5 Histopathologic data regarding lingual lesions are therefore relatively scarce.
This study reviewed lingual biopsy samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory over a 10-year period from 793 dogs and 406 cats. Patient signalment, clinical signs, lesion anatomic location, and pathology diagnosis were examined.
Neoplastic lesions were diagnosed in 43% of dogs and 41% of cats. In dogs, the most common neoplasms were melanocytic (30%) and epithelial (30%), followed by mesenchymal (26%) and round cell (14%). In cats, most tumors were epithelial (94%) neoplasms, 94% of which were squamous cell carcinoma.
Tumorlike proliferative lesions comprised 36% of nonneoplastic lesions in dogs; 82% were lingual polyps, and 16% were calcinosis circumscripta. Tumorlike proliferative lesions accounted for only 5% of nonneoplastic lesions in cats and were all diagnosed as lingual polyps. Inflammatory lesions comprised 64% of nonneoplastic lesions in dogs and 95% of nonneoplastic lesions in cats. In dogs, 78% of inflammatory lesions were ulcerative and/or suppurative glossitis and were often attributed to chronic friction with the adjacent gum or physical trauma caused by either a foreign body or alterations in dentition. In cats, 60% of inflammatory lesions were eosinophilic granulomas.
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
The incidence of neoplasia diagnosed in lingual lesions was similar in dogs and cats (43% and 41%, respectively) in this study. Frequency of neoplasia is important to remember when lingual lesions are identified on oral examination.
Almost all neoplastic lingual lesions in cats were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Pet owners should be counseled early about the poor prognosis for neoplastic lingual lesions in cats.
None of the 1,199 lesions in this study were attributed to primary bacterial, fungal, or parasitic causes; therefore, medical management is unlikely to result in sustained improvement. The lack of causes easily managed by medical treatment supports the importance of biopsy soon after diagnosis of lingual mass lesions.
Chow chows and Labrador retrievers were overrepresented in cases diagnosed as melanocytic neoplasms. Identification of potentially neoplastic lingual lesions should prompt extra caution in these breeds.
Discussing Lingual Lesion Treatment
Communicating effectively with clients about lingual lesions can be challenging. Clients should know their options, but expectations on both sides of the examination table need to be realistic—not every client will want or be able to pursue definitive treatment for a neoplastic lesion.
If a client chooses to forego treatment for a known neoplastic lesion, open communication about palliative care, quality of life, and expectations should be provided without judgment.
If a client is considering scheduling an appointment with an oncologist for further care, advance communication about cost and misconceptions is key, particularly because many clients have experience with human cancer care. Reaching out to the oncology team beforehand may help avoid misinformation that could cause friction during the referral process.
Research shows regret is more likely with rushed decisions. Clients should be given time to process information they are receiving, ask questions, and consider the options. It is essential to keep judgment out of the conversation. Concerns about a decision should be raised in an open and empathetic manner.
For more information, review these articles on Hospice Care & Palliative Sedation and Top 5 Tips for Veterinary Oncology Referrals.
You are reading 2-Minute Takeaways, a research summary resource presented by Clinician’s Brief. Clinician’s Brief does not conduct primary research.