Cobalt 60 radiotherapy for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in three horses

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 212; no. 6; p. 848
• Main Authors: Walker, M A, Schumacher, J, Schmitz, D G, McMullen, W C, Ruoff, W W, Crabill, M R, Hawkins, J F, Hogan, P M, McClure, S R, Vacek, J R, Edwards, J F, Helman, R G, Frelier, P F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15-03-1998
• Subjects: Animals; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnostic imaging; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - radiotherapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - veterinary; Cobalt Radioisotopes - therapeutic use; Female; Horse Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Horse Diseases - radiotherapy; Horses; Male; Nasal Cavity; Nose Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Nose Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Nose Neoplasms - veterinary; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms - veterinary; Radiography
• ISSN: 0003-1488
• DOI: 10.2460/javma.1998.212.06.848

Three adult horses underwent aggressive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, using course-fractionated cobalt 60 radiotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is not commonly diagnosed in horses. Historically, horses with this type of neoplasm have not been treated or have undergone some form of surgery. The prognosis for long-term survival or cure has been poor. Long-term results of cobalt 60 radiotherapy were good to excellent and exceeded those usually reported for horses treated surgically. On the basis of these results, use of radiotherapy for these neoplasms is recommended.