Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a captive Eurasian lynx ( Lynx lynx ): Clinical, pathological and comparative oncologic findings

Abstract Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an invasive epithelial tumour without prior documentation in nondomestic felids. We describe a case of laryngeal SCC in a 19‐year‐old male Eurasian lynx housed in a wildlife sanctuary. The animal presented with progressive inspiratory to expiratory stridor and dyspnoea. Laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia revealed a multilobulated mass partially obstructing the glottis. Over the next weeks, respiratory signs worsened and euthanasia was elected. Necropsy identified a multilobular mass arising from the larynx and markedly extending into the glottis. Histopathology demonstrated invasive pleomorphic epithelial cells and focal squamous differentiation within collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse pancytokeratin positivity, confirming epithelial origin. No macroscopic evidence of regional or distant metastasis was detected. This case highlights consideration of laryngeal neoplasia in cases of upper airway disease in nondomestic felids and discusses differentials, clinicopathological behaviour, potential therapeutics and outcomes of laryngeal SCC extrapolated from the current literature in domestic cats.