Nasal Tumors

If your cat has been diagnosed with a nasal tumor, knowing more about the disease can help you provide them with a better quality of life. Nasal tumors represent approximately 1% of all feline cancers. 

What is a nasal tumor?

A nasal tumor is an uncontrolled growth of cells on the nose surface or in the nasal cavity. The majority of nasal tumors in cats are malignant and locally invasive, but do not usually spread to other organs (i.e., metastasize). Nasal tumors can be an external squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or intranasal lymphoma or carcinoma. Intranasal tumor signs can mimic a foreign body in the nose, fungal or bacterial infections, chronic rhinitis, tooth root abscess, or blood clotting disorders.

What are common nasal tumor signs in cats?

Early signs include:

• Crusting on the nose
• Loud snoring
• Sneezing
• Reclusive behavior

Intermediate to advanced signs include: 

• Oozing lesion on the nose
• Rubbing or pawing at the nose
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Eye discharge
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Facial deformity
• Disorientation

How are nasal tumors managed in cats?  

The first step in nasal tumor management in cats is addressing pain and any underlying infection. The preferred treatment is radiation therapy, but chemotherapy may be considered. Cryotherapy or surgery can be used for a small SCC. Cats with nasal tumors need regular veterinary visits to monitor their status and prognosis. Discussing a personalized management plan with your veterinarian, and a veterinary oncologist, is important for the best outcome for your cat.

What is the prognosis for cats with a nasal tumor?

The prognosis depends on the tumor type, and how early the cancer was treated.  Without treatment, the median survival time for cats with a nasal tumor is less than three months. Complete SCC excision can be curative. The median survival time for cats after radiation therapy ranges from 6 to 18 months.

Management tips for cats with a nasal tumor    

At-home needs include:

• Easy access to food, water, and litter box, and a comfortable location
• Consistency with any prescribed medications
• Monitoring breathing, nasal appearance and discharge, appetite, and energy level
• Avoiding smoking in the house and using an air purifier
• Keeping your cat with an SCC out of the sun

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your cat safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor closely for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your cat’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of their health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has uncontrollable bleeding, excessive sneezing, or difficulty breathing; appears disoriented; collapses; or vocalizes in pain.

Before your cat‘s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.