Nose Cancer In Cats: Things You Should Know About It

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Nasal adenocarcinoma or nose cancer in cats happens when too many cells in the sinus and nasal passages of a cat come together. Further, the condition progresses in a slow manner. Studies have also shown that nose cancer in cats is more common in the larger breeds, than that of in the smaller ones –and it might be more common in the male cats than in the female cats. Different options exist in the event that the disease is diagnosed early and treated aggressively. Learn more about this feline condition. Give this article a read.

Nose Cancer in Cats: What is this feline condition?

The sinus and nose cancer in cats are considered to be somewhat rare in cats, as well as with some other companion animals. Moreover, cats are at a much higher risk of developing this kind of cancer than in dogs. The symptoms might also be the same as the respiratory infection and might not appear austere until the cancer has already entered in its late stage. Whatever animal exhibits signs of nose or sinus cancer must be seen by a professional vet as soon as possible.

Sinus and / or nose cancer is an illness, wherein the abnormal cell growth happens in the sinus passages, nasal cavity, or in the surrounding tissues. Moreover, the cancer cells may be malignant and may have the possibility to spread, or they might be benign. In either of these cases, medical intervention is often important in removing and properly treating the tumor. Even though most of the nose and sinus cancers found in cats are malignant, they are lesser likely to spread than the cancers that are found in some other parts of the body. The most common location for the nose and sinus cancer to spread is to the lymph nodes or brain.

Types of Cat Nose Cancer

There are several types of cancer, which may be found in the sinuses and nose. For the cats, carcinomas and lymphomas are the most common forms of sinus and nasal cancer. Further, the nose and sinus cancers has the tendency to be malignant. The different types of sinus and nose cancer in cats include the following:

  • Squamous cell tumor
  • Sarcoma
  • Plasmacytoma
  • Meningioma
  • Melanoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Fibroma
  • Chondrosarcoma
  • Carcinoma
  • Basal cell tumor
  • Adenoma

Causes of Cat Nose Cancer

Just like many other cancers that affect cats and the other companion animals, the precise cause of the sinus and nose cancer is not known. Cancer happens because of the abnormal cell growth, and sinus and nose cancer in cats is not actually different from these. It may be due to lymphatic, skin, bone, or some other kinds of cells. The risk factors, which might increase the likelihood of nose or sinus cancer in felines, include the following:

  • Presence of cancer elsewhere in the body
  • Living in a home with smoker
  • Frequent or chronic infections
  • Exposure to pollutants
  • Urban dwelling
  • Sex –the male cats are at twice higher risk than the female
  • Age –the older cats may be at much higher risk than the young ones

Symptoms of Cat Nose Cancer

In the event that the cancerous cells are present in the sinus passages or nasal cavities, the symptoms may often mimic that of the respiratory infection. The common early signs may include the nasal stiffness, sneezing, and runny nose. These may all be in connection to a lot of common and minor maladies. As the cancer develops and the cells grow and spread, the austerity of the symptoms may increase, thus making them even more obvious. The symptoms may affect the sinuses. Nose, face, brain, and eyes.

The more common symptoms of nose cancer in cats include the following:

  • Seizures
  • Circling
  • Behavioral changes
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Facial pain
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Panting or breathing in the mouth
  • Loud breathing
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea
  • Lack of appetite
  • Facial or nasal deformity or swelling
  • Vision loss or vision issues
  • Bulging eyes
  • Bad breath
  • Snoring
  • Snorting
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Nosebleeds
  • Runny nose

Treatments for Cat Nose Cancer

The recommendation of the vet for treatment for nose cancer in cats may vary depending on the size, location, type, as well as the spread of the condition. In some instances, the treatment might not be a choice, and the diagnosis may be poor. It’s fairly common for the nose or sinus cancer to need a multi-branched approach of treatment, since a combination of the methods has already been shown to be much more operational, rather than whatever single treatment there is.

Antibiotics 

The vet might be prescribe antibiotics in the event that a secondary infection is existent. This treatment may carry a lower risk, yet needs a proper dosing to make sure of its effectiveness, as well as reduce the risk of the after effects. 

Chemotherapy 

This is already a common cancer treatment in humans. However, it is used more and more often for animals now as well. Moreover, chemotherapy is also used in targeting and eradicating cancerous cells, as well as prevent additional growth. This particular therapy might also last quite a few weeks or even months. 

Surgical Intervention

Surgery in removing the tumor might also be essential. This treatment option is effective by itself, but is combined with some other treatments often –to make sure that all the cancerous cells gets destroyed or removed. Surgical procedure carries a modest risk of side effects or complications. The pet may need hospitalization after the surgery for further observation throughout recovery. 

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