Which test result would most strongly support a diagnosis of nasal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog with unilateral nasal disease?

• A. Cytology Showing Malignant Squamous Cells
• B. Elevated Liver Enzymes
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Proteinuria

Answer: (A)

Cytology showing malignant squamous cells provides the strongest support because it directly demonstrates neoplastic squamous epithelium in the nasal region, matching nasal squamous cell carcinoma. In a dog with unilateral nasal disease, finding malignant squamous cells on a cytology sample aligns with the typical origin of this cancer from the nasal epithelium and offers strong, direct evidence that a tumor is present. While a biopsy with histopathology is the definitive test, cytology can give a clear, early indication when the sample captures the malignant cells. The other results reflect issues in other organ systems and don’t provide information about the nasal mass, so they wouldn’t support a diagnosis of nasal SCC.