A snake sarcoma article caught my eye one time. It was about a corn snake that was treated with chemotherapy for Sarcoma. (I think it was Ewings).

Now, I ask you, chemotherapy for a snake? What kind, and what dosage? Did the disease go into regression? Was it cured? Did the snake survive?

Shown to the left is a fellow being embraced by a friendly Boa Constrictor. Though the Boa in the picture, to the best of my knowledge does not have a sarcoma, this link will take you to the the article about the one who does.

Other reptiles get sarcomas, too! (even a crocodile.) Upon further reading, I also learned that, in the case of snakes, research has shown that their sarcomas are caused by viruses!

I knew about rat sarcoma virus. So, now I wonder how it is known they are caused by viruses. Does that human sarcomas also caused by viruses? I read all these articles that do not suggest it. Is anyone studying this possible cause in direct relationship to humans?

Speaking of Snakes and Sarcomas:

In Wirral, UK and youth named Nathaniel Fletcher needed a whole body scan because he has Clear Cell Sarcoma. His parents are members of a local motorcycle club, who arranged a reptile show charity event fund raiser with the Wirral Herpetological Society.

The National Health Service only offers Nathaniel and other children like him a partial scan on a yearly basis. Since Nathaniel's parents see the need for a full scan for their son, they saw the necessity of holding the fundraiser. A scan costs £750 if a person wants to pay for it himself. The event was "hands on" where those interested had the opportunity to touch and hold the snakes of all sizes. There were spiders, lizards and also owls. The event raised £534.


Some other articles of interest regarding reptiles with Sarcoma:

Monocytic Leukemia with Tissue Metastases in a Bearded Dragon

Undifferentiated Sarcoma in Western King Snake

Hemangiosarcoma in Corn Snake

Melanoma in Marsupials, Bird and Reptile