Resource Library: Nasal Tumor, Canine

NASAL TUMORS, CANINE
Tumors of the nasal passages and sinuses account for 1-2% of all cancers in dogs. Dogs with nasal tumors show variable signs ranging from sneezing, nasal discharge, to severe nasal bleeding. Nasal tumors are usually a type of malignant cancer and are variably diagnosed as nasal adenocarcinoma, solid carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas or other sarcomas.

These tumors are very locally invasive and are difficult or unlikely to be completely removed with surgery alone. They tend to be very invasive and quiet large by the time they are diagnosed. They have a low rate of metastases (spread to other parts of the body) and depending on the type can be responsive to treatment with radiation therapy. When they do spread, the most likely sites are mandibular lymph nodes or lungs. If no treatment is done, dogs live an average of 3-5 months after being diagnosed. Similarly, surgery alone does not generally result in prolonged survival. Radiation therapy alone or along with surgery if appropriate to reduce tumor burden and increase comfort appears to provide the longest survival times in dogs with a nasal tumor.

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