Squamous cell carcinoma in a tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus).
METHODS
A mature male tuatara was presented with a history of recurrent cloacal prolapse.


RESULTS
The prolapsed tissue included a 12 mm diameter mass, which histologically showed cords and nodules of neoplastic epithelial cells.


METHODS
The mass was diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma with ulceration of the overlying stratified squamous epithelium and diffuse inflammation of the surrounding dermis.


CONCLUSIONS
This case presented a rare opportunity to investigate squamous cell carcinoma in a long-lived lower vertebrate species. Future recurrence or metastasis of the mass may add useful information to the current base of knowledge of the behaviour of malignant neoplasms in reptiles.
Roe
W D
WD
Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. W.D.Roe@massey.ac.nz
Alley
M R
MR
Cooper
S M
SM
Hazley
L
L