Squamous cell carcinoma in an immature common stork (Ciconia ciconia)

Abstract

An immature common stork (Ciconia ciconia) was referred from the Wildlife Recovering Center to the Department of Surgery for evaluation. Physical examination revealed a partially ulcerated, necrotic mass on the left surface of the upper beak. The mass was surgically removed and classified histologically as a squamous cell carcinoma. Postsurgically, the bird recovered uneventfully and proceeded to mature normally. During this growth period, no tumor recurrence or metastasis was detected, and no local bone alteration to the beak was found. The stork was ringed and released back into its natural environment.