Neoplasia is becoming increasingly common as captive reptile populations age, and it should always be included in the differential diagnosis of disease in an adult reptile. In addition to spontaneously developing neoplastic diseases, adult reptiles have developed tumors associated with parasites and oncogenic viruses.
Surgical or endoscopic biopsies are preferred for diagnosis. Techniques such as radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasonography, endoscopy, cytology, histopathology (biopsy), and viral isolation provide improved capabilities for diagnosing neoplasia and assisting with disease staging. Once neoplasia is diagnosed, treatment protocols similar to those used in other animals should be considered. See images of and in reptiles.
Squamous cell carcinoma (white arrow) associated with the lower eyelid in a bearded dragon that was treated by surgical excision and local strontium radiation therapy.
Courtesy of Dr. Stephen Divers.
Surgical removal of an ovarian granulosa cell tumor in a corn snake. This snake originally presented for constipation and anorexia; however, the lesion was unrelated to both the GI tract and the diet, demonstrating the importance of a thorough clinical investigation.
Courtesy of Dr. Stephen Divers.
For More Information
Divers SJ, Stahl SJ. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2019.
