Nasal Cancer in Cats

Nasal tumors in cats usually begin in the nasal cavity and may eventually extend into the sinuses. Nasal cancer is relatively rare in cats and much more common in dogs. Generally, nasal tumors are malignant, but they do not spread to other parts of the body. Young to middle-aged cats are most often affected by this type of cancer.

  1. Causes

    • There is some indication that inflammation of the mucus membrane that lines the nose or the mucus membrane that lines the sinuses can trigger the growth of cancer in the nasal cavity.

    Symptoms

    • A cat with cancer in her nasal cavity may show no symptoms at all for up to five years, at which time the disease becomes a serious threat to her survival. Symptoms that may be visible to the pet's guardian will include nasal discharge and sneezing.

    Diagnosis

    • The veterinarian will begin with a physical examination to look for signs of tumors in the nasal cavity. The doctor will then likely order a complete blood count and other diagnostic tools to make a definite diagnosis. Often, X-rays are done to rule out the possibility of the cancer spreading to the lungs, a biopsy is taken of the tumor and additional imaging is done in the nasal cavity.

    Treatment

    • Most nasal tumors in cats are either lymphoma or carcinoma. In the case of lymphoma, chemotherapy is generally used, sometimes in combination with radiation. Surgery for carcinomas in the nasal cavity has not shown success. Radiation is most often used for this type of treatment.

    Prognosis

    • Nasal cancer in cats is a serious disease and prognosis for recovery is poor, no matter what stage the cancer is in when treatment begins. In some cases, radiation can prolong the pet's life and improve quality of life. Many pet guardians consider euthanasia as their pets' quality of life declines, following a diagnosis of and treatment for nasal cancer.

    Prevention

    • While genetics probably play a large role in a cat's likelihood of developing any type of cancer, keeping your pet in the best possible health goes a long way in preventing all kinds of disease. Vaccinate cats against FeLV and FIV and limit their exposure to cats whose disease status is not known. If you smoke, smoke outside so that your pet is not exposed to the carcinogens of second-hand smoke.