title: Squamous cell carcinoma in a tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus).
abstract: 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.
authors: Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. W.D.Roe@massey.ac.nz
authors: W D
authors: WD
authors: Roe
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Alley
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Cooper
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Hazley