MRI findings in a dog with calvarial squamous cell carcinoma.
Sebestyén P, Teubenbacher U, Rosato G, Lautenschläger I, Golini L · Journal of Small Animal Practice · 13 February 2026
MRI is essential for comprehensive evaluation of calvarial squamous cell carcinoma before surgical intervention.
This case report documents MRI findings in a dog diagnosed with calvarial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a malignant tumor affecting the skull bones. Squamous cell carcinoma of the calvaria is an uncommon presentation in veterinary oncology, with limited documentation of advanced imaging characteristics. The authors utilized MRI to comprehensively evaluate tumor extent, bone involvement, and soft tissue invasion prior to surgical planning. MRI proved valuable for delineating tumor margins, assessing the degree of osteolysis and osteoproliferation within affected calvarial bones, and evaluating potential intracranial extension. The imaging findings demonstrated the superiority of MRI over conventional radiography for detailed anatomical assessment of skull-based neoplasms. This case highlights the clinical utility of MRI in pre-surgical evaluation of calvarial tumors, providing essential information for surgical planning, prognosis determination, and identification of potential complications. The multiplanar capabilities and superior soft tissue contrast resolution of MRI made it an indispensable tool for characterizing this aggressive bone tumor and guiding treatment decisions in small animal oncology practice.
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