Nasal Cancers Frequently Asked Questions

Meet The Author

Dr Rachel Korman

Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine 
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)

Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.

She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How common are nasal cancers in cats?

Unfortunately, nasal cancers occur fairly commonly in older cats and very rarely in young cats.

What signs are seen with nasal cancer in cats?

Most nasal cancers tend to grow just within the nose, but they can be very invasive. They are often slow growing over months. Symptoms can include sneezing, snoring, noisy breathing, snotty nose (mucous), facial deformity and bleeding.

What types of nasal cancers are seen?

Possible cancer types include the following:

Lymphoma: can occur just in the nose or in other parts of the body–anywhere lymphoid cells are found.

Carcinoma: this is one of the more common cancers diagnosed.

Squamous cell carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas are different tumor types.

Most tend to be locally very aggressive but do not spread to other areas that commonly.

Others: other cancer types can be seen, such as mast cell tumours and melanoma. Sometimes, fungal diseases such as Cryptococcus or Aspergillus can appear similar to cancer.

How is nasal cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of which cancer is present is made based on a combination of imaging findings (e.g. CT, rhinoscopy, x – ray) and tissue biopsy samples that are examined in the laboratory. A CT scan allows highly detailed anatomic information of the nose, sinuses, brain and structures ar ound the eyes. Rhinoscopy involves insertion of small, specialised cameras into the nasal cavity and targeted biopsies can be obtained of abnormal tissues.

What are the treatment options for nasal cancers?

Unfortunately, treatment options for nasal cancers are fairly limited. Nasal lymphoma can show a good response to either chemotherapy or radiation treatment or both. Other cancers such as carcinomas can show a response to radiation, but symptoms and disease will often recur.

Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for non-lymphoma nasal tumors. Treatment protocols vary but generally are delivered weekly or twice weekly. Possible side effects include inflammation of the tissues of the mouth and eyes, blindness, and cataract formation. Radiation treatment is only offered at a limited number of facilities.

Chemotherapy is used mainly to treat nasal lymphoma and uses a combination of tablets and injections. Ideally, it is given with radiation treatment for lymphoma. Chemotherapy for carcinomas can also be considered, however, there is not as much information available on survival. In one case report, a cat survived for approximately 21 months, however, survival times are often shorter.

Surgery is rarely performed as it does not improve survival and the tumors are very invasive into the surrounding tissues.

Palliative treatment
Sometimes palliative treatment plans can be developed for cats to help keep them comfortable. This could involve the following: Pain relief Antibiotics Appetite stimulants Nebulisation to help with nasal secretions

What is the prognosis for cats with nasal cancer?

The long term prognosis for cats with nasal cancer depends on the type of cancer present. With no treatment, survival times are often poor for cats already showing symptoms.

The average survival time for cats with cancers other than lymphoma, that received radiation treatment (definitive radiation treatment) was approximately 12 months, with 16% of cats still alive after 2 years. Another study using palliat ive radiation treatment found that most cats showed an improvement (86%) and their overall survival time was approximately 1 year.

For cats with nasal lymphoma treated with radiation and chemotherapy, the survival time was approximately 2.6 years.

What signs may my cat show as their nasal cancer grows?

As nasal cancers progress, cats can sometimes develop problems with breathing. The cancer can also invade into nearby structures such as the brain or eyes causing neurological deterioration, blindness, or facial deformities.

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.

See All Stories

Kitty, a lymphoma survivor

We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass

Poppi finds her feet again

Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected

Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey

Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.

Lando’s long game with cryptococcus

Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.

Popeye coughs up the culprit

Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.

Key Takeaways

Nasal cancers affect the nasal passages and sinuses and may obstruct airflow.

Older cats are more commonly affected, although nasal tumours can occur at any age.

Symptoms can resemble other nasal diseases, including chronic rhinitis or infections.

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A month ago

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Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.

It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.

At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.

We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.

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A month ago

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3 months ago

Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!

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A month ago

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5 months ago

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Georgia Carter

5 months ago

My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.

I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.

Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.

I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.

Lauren Woodward

A year ago

My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me

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1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

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