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How do Nasal Cancers affect Cats?

Nasal tumours primarily affect cats’ nasal passages and sinuses, causing obstructions or damage to the surrounding tissues. Older cats are at higher risk, though nasal cancers can occur in cats of any age.

The most common types of nasal cancer in cats include nasal adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers can be locally aggressive, meaning they tend to grow in the nose or sinuses, but in some cases, they may spread (metastasise) to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of nasal cancer in cats

Symptoms of nasal cancer

Because nasal tumours can mimic infections or chronic rhinitis, it’s important to be vigilant for signs that may point to something more serious. Common symptoms include:

Nasal discharge: Like infections, cats with nasal cancer often have a persistent discharge from one or both nostrils. This discharge can be clear, bloody, or mixed with mucus.

Sneezing and congestion: A tumour obstructing the nasal passages can cause frequent sneezing, wheezing, and noisy breathing.

Facial swelling or deformity: One of the more telling signs of nasal cancer is swelling around the nose or face. This can make your cat’s face lopsided or cause discomfort when touched.

Difficulty breathing: As the tumour grows, it can restrict airflow through the nasal passages, leading to laboured or open-mouth breathing.

Eye discharge or bulging eyes: If the tumour invades the tissues around the eyes, it may cause eye discharge, swelling, or even a bulging appearance in one or both eyes.

Loss of appetite or weight loss: Cats with nasal cancer may experience a reduced sense of smell or difficulty eating due to congestion, leading to weight loss or a decreased appetite.

Diagnosing nasal cancer in cats

Diagnosing nasal cancer

Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the appropriate treatment for cat nasal cancer. Your vet will perform a series of tests, which may include:

Imaging: To visualise the tumour, your vet may recommend X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. This helps identify the size and location of the tumour and any potential spread to other parts of the body.

Biopsy: A tissue biopsy is usually required to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the tumour type. This involves examining a small sample of the affected tissue under a microscope.

Blood tests: Although they won’t directly diagnose nasal cancer, they can inform your cat’s overall health and ability to undergo treatment.

Treatment options for cat nasal cancer

Treatment options for nasal cancer

Once diagnosed, treatment for nasal cancer in cats will depend on the tumour type, stage, and location. Standard treatment approaches include:

Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the tumour is possible, particularly if it is localised and has not spread to other areas. However, the complex anatomy of the nasal passages can make complete removal difficult.

Radiation therapy: Radiation is often the treatment of choice for nasal cancers in cats, especially when surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy targets the tumour with high-energy beams, shrinking it and alleviating symptoms.

Chemotherapy: For certain types of nasal cancer, such as lymphoma, chemotherapy may be recommended in combination with other treatments. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Palliative care: If the cancer is advanced and treatment options are limited, palliative care can help manage symptoms and improve your cat’s quality of life. This may include pain management, anti-inflammatory medications, and reduced nasal discharge or swelling treatments.

Prognosis and outlook

The prognosis for cats with nasal cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, how advanced it is at the time of diagnosis, and how well the cat responds to treatment. While some types of nasal cancer can be managed with surgery or radiation therapy, the overall outlook can be guarded, especially if the cancer has spread.

Early detection plays a crucial role in improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular check-ups and awareness of unusual signs in your cat’s respiratory health can lead to earlier diagnosis and more treatment options.

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

Patient Stories

Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.

Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

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Han presented after limping on his hind leg for two weeks following an accident at home. An X-ray revealed a fractured growth plate in his hip, requiring surgery to repair the injury.

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Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377
1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed

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