Cancer

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Cancer occurs in snakes, but the number of reports is quite

limited.  Some of the tumors have been diagnosed on living

snakes, but most were diagnosed at the time of autopsy.  As with

mammals, tumors of snakes can be benign or malignant and

originate from any organ or tissue of the body, including blood.



Boa constrictors seem to be more often affected by cancer than

other snakes commonly kept in captivity.  This observation,

however, may be the result of the disproportionately large

number of boa constrictors kept by hobbyists because of their

tremendous popularity.  It is interesting to note, however, that

most life-threatening malignancies that we have diagnosed in

snakes have involved boa constrictors.  Snake owners must be

vigilant and seek prompt veterinary help when a growth or lump is

detected on their snake(s) (especially if a boa constrictor is

involved).  Mole-like growths have been especially troublesome in

our experience.  Wounds that fail to heal despite treatment

should make owners equally suspicious.