Although nasal cancer (nose cancer) is relatively uncommon, it can significantly reduce the quality of life of affected cats. In many cases, the early symptoms of nasal cancer are indistinguishable from other diseases.
A cat with early nasal cancer may appear to have only a mild upper respiratory infection or small scabs on the nose.
When a cat shows signs that are severe or long enough to warrant further investigation, the cancer can do a lot of damage to the nasal passages and even the skull. This makes nose cancer difficult to treat.
Quick Facts: Feline Nasal Cancer
other names: Nasal adenocarcinoma
common symptoms: Excessive sneezing, runny nose (especially from one nostril), nasal bleeding, increased tear production, swollen or deformed nose, loss of appetite.
diagnosis: Skull X-ray, CT, Rhinoscopy (nasal endoscopy), MRI, nasal biopsy.
diagnosed as a cat: rare
need to continue taking medication: No
available vaccines: No
Treatment programs: Surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy if possible. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers for palliative care.
home remedies: not any
What is Nasal (Nose) Cancer in Felines?
Nasal cancer is any tumor that develops in the nasal plane (the outer surface of the nose) or inside the nasal cavity. Some nasal tumors are visible on the outer surface of the nose, while others are located deep in the nasal passages or sinuses.
Nasal tumors are relatively uncommon in cats, accounting for 1-5% of all feline cancers. However, these tumors can cause serious disease. About 90 percent of nasal tumors are malignant, which means they can spread.
However, unlike other cancers, nasal tumors do not metastasize to distant sites. Instead, they cause severe local damage to the tissue surrounding the tumor. In some cases, these tumors invade the skull and may even affect the brain.
Nasal cancer is usually diagnosed in middle-aged cats between the ages of eight and ten. However, it can also occur in young and older cats.
Causes of Nose Cancer
Lymphoma, or lymphocyte carcinoma, is the most common cause of nasal cancer in cats.
The most common cause of nasal cancer in cats is lymphoma. Lymphoma is cancer of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that function as part of the immune system. It can affect many different areas of the body, one of which is the nasal passages.
A number of factors can increase a cat’s likelihood of developing lymphoma, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection, and exposure to smoke. It is also suspected that chronic inflammation may play a role in lymphoma, although this has not been definitively proven.
The second most common type of nasal cancer in cats is carcinoma, which is a tumor that arises directly from the cells that line the nasal passages. Common nasal cancers in cats include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These tumors can develop on the inside or outside surface of the nose.
Cats can also develop sarcomas affecting the nose, such as fibrosarcoma.
Symptoms of Nose Cancer
Signs of feline nasal cancer are often indistinguishable from signs of upper respiratory infection or other nasal conditions. Therefore, nasal tumors are usually suspected only if signs persist despite treatment.
Clinical symptoms of nasal cancer may include:
- Excessive or frequent sneezing
- snot
- nosebleed
- A cat that has been sleeping quietly snores
- Visible nasal swelling or facial deformity
- Scratching or rubbing the face with an object
- lose weight
- decreased appetite or anorexia
If your cat exhibits these signs and they persist for longer than expected with an upper respiratory infection alone, your veterinarian may wish to begin the process of ruling out a nasal tumor.
Diagnosis of Nose Cancer in Felines
Your veterinarian can diagnose nasal cancer, starting with a physical exam, followed by blood tests and more.
Body checkup
Your veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical examination. In addition to evaluating the cat’s overall health and body condition, he or she will closely examine the cat’s nose, looking for signs of discharge and asymmetry.
Nostril airflow will be assessed, and your veterinarian may use bright lights to examine the cat’s nasal passages.
blood test
The next step in the workup of a cat with chronic upper respiratory symptoms is a blood test. A complete blood count and serum chemistry tests will be performed to look for internal disorders that may predispose your cat to respiratory problems. In addition, your veterinarian may test your cat for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.
These viruses can play a role in upper respiratory symptoms in several ways; they can make cats more susceptible to respiratory infections by suppressing the immune system, but they can also make cats more prone to lymphoma.
After performing these basic tests, your veterinarian may recommend further testing.
For cats with suspected nasal tumors, a number of tests may be recommended, although the exact sequence of these tests may vary.
Recommended tests may include:
- Skull radiograph (X-ray)
- Computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the skull
- Nasal irrigation, in which a small amount of saline is flushed into the nose and recovered for evaluation under a microscope
- rhinoscopy, in which a small camera is inserted into the nasal passage
- Fine needle aspiration or biopsy of the mass to collect cells from the mass for microscopic evaluation
- Aspiration of lymph nodes, to look for signs of metastasis
Definitely diagnosing nasal cancer in cats usually requires multiple tests.
Feline Nose Cancer Treatment
Treatment options for nasal tumors vary depending on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor, and the location of the tumor. Generally, nasal cavity tumors cannot be removed surgically. In most cases, there is not enough tissue in the area to get “clean margins” with surgery.
Nasal lymphoma in cats is primarily treated with chemotherapy, just like other forms of feline lymphoma. In some cases, radiation therapy may be recommended in addition to chemotherapy. This can help shrink tumors, improve your cat’s quality of life, and make chemotherapy more effective.
Nasal tumors in other felines are primarily treated with radiation therapy. In some cases, radiation therapy can completely cure nose cancer. Even if radiation therapy is not a cure, radiation therapy can shrink the lesion and improve the cat’s quality of life.
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy have side effects. Your cat’s oncologist will discuss with you what to expect from treating your cat. If your cat is not a good candidate for tumor treatment, or if you refuse such treatment, your veterinarian can discuss palliative care (hospice) options with you.
in conclusion
Chronic nasal symptoms in cats can be frustrating because there is always the question of whether it is a harmless upper respiratory infection or something more serious.
If your cat has severe or persistent upper respiratory problems, such as sneezing or a runny nose, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Although nasal cancer is relatively uncommon in cats, it can occur. Early diagnosis and early treatment will lead to better outcomes for your cat!
frequently asked questions
How long can my cat live with a nose tumor?
Your cat’s prognosis will depend on the type of cancer present in the nose. Lymphoma is the most common malignant nasal cancer with survival ranging from months to years.
What does skin cancer on a cat’s nose look like?
The appearance of skin cancer on a cat’s nose can vary. Squamous cell carcinoma on a cat’s nose may start out looking like a small scab or abrasion, but over time the lump will start to grow and swell.
How Fast Do Feline Nose Cancers Grow?
Nasal cancer in cats can grow rapidly if left untreated. Depending on the type of cancer present, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy may help bring the tumor into remission.
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