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Neoplastic Diseases of Reptiles

ByStephen J. Divers, BVetMed, DACZM, DECZM, FRCVS, Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia;
Jessica R. Comolli, DVM, DACZM, MS, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Reviewed ByJoão Brandão, LMV, DECZM (Avian), DACZM, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University
Reviewed/Revised Modified Jul 2025
v3309630

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 squamous cell carcinoma and ovarian granulosa cell tumor in reptiles.

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