Nasal Tumors in Cats (Lymphoma, Carcinoma)
Tumors of the nasal cavities occur mainly in older cats and are almost always malignant. The two main forms are lymphoma, a cancer of immune system cells, and carcinomas, which arise from the nasal lining. Nasal lymphoma is covered here rat...
What is it?
Tumors of the nasal cavities occur mainly in older cats and are almost always malignant.
The two main forms are lymphoma, a cancer of immune system cells, and carcinomas, which arise from the nasal lining. Nasal lymphoma is covered here rather than in the feline lymphoma sheet because its signs involve the nose.
Early signs resemble those of simple rhinitis: nasal discharge and sneezing. What should raise concern is discharge starting on one side only, lasting for a prolonged period, tinged with blood, or facial distortion.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Chronic nasal discharge, often starting on one side and sometimes progressing to both sides.
Discharge appearance changes over weeks and may contain blood.
Nosebleeds, sometimes repeated.
Nasal congestion sounds, even when awake and at rest, when the tumor blocks the passage.
Facial deformity: swelling on top of the nose, cheek, or area below the eye.
Tearing from the eye, or one eye appearing larger or pushed forward when the tumor extends behind it.
Sneezing, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Signs develop gradually over weeks: persistent discharge in an older cat should always be investigated.
In advanced cases, the tumor may reach the brain and cause seizures, disorientation, or vision loss.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
As with most cancers, the precise cause is unknown.
Lymphoma arises from immune system cells present in the nasal lining; carcinomas arise from cells of the lining itself.
Age is the main identified risk factor.
Older cat: the disease mainly affects cats of a certain age.
Male cats are affected more often than females.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian examines the nose, face, eyes, mouth, and lymph nodes, and checks airflow through each nostril.
Diagnosis cannot be made by examination alone: it relies on imaging of the head, preferably a CT scan, followed by a biopsy—that is, a small sample of tissue analyzed in the laboratory.
The biopsy identifies the tumor type, which determines the treatment approach.
Blood work, testing for feline leukemia and FIV, and staging to check for spread are often performed.
The veterinarian also rules out other causes of one-sided chronic discharge: foreign body, fungal infection, or infected tooth.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumor type and extent.
Nasal lymphoma often responds to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, used alone or together.
For carcinomas, radiotherapy is the standard treatment when available.
Surgery alone is rarely sufficient for nasal tumors.
When specific treatment is not possible, comfort care aims to relieve the cat: anti-inflammatory medication, feeding support, and treatment of secondary infections. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
There is no known prevention.
The best approach is not to ignore a nasal discharge in an older cat, especially if it comes from one side only or contains blood: earlier diagnosis leaves more treatment options available.
Possible complications
Tumor spread to the eyes, face, or brain.
Recurrent nosebleeds.
Breathing difficulty and trouble eating, with weight loss.
Secondary nasal infection.
When to see a veterinarian
Your cat is having seizures, seems disoriented, or appears to have lost vision: seek emergency care.
It is breathing through its mouth, or its gums or tongue are bluish: seek emergency care.
It has nosebleeds on several occasions, or its face is becoming swollen: consult within the next few days.
Its nose has been running from one side only for several weeks.
Nasal discharge in an older cat is changing in appearance or becoming tinged with blood.
One eye appears enlarged or is protruding.
Prognosis
The prognosis is guarded, as these tumors are almost always malignant and often detected at an advanced stage.
It depends on the tumor type, its extent, and available treatments: nasal lymphoma is often more responsive to treatment than carcinomas.
Without specific treatment, the disease progresses; your veterinarian will help you assess your cat's quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish it from chronic rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis typically affects younger cats, often following an upper respiratory infection, with bilateral nasal discharge from the outset. A tumor is more likely in an older cat whose discharge began unilaterally, contains blood, or whose face is deformed. Only imaging and biopsy allow for a definitive diagnosis.
My cat is bleeding from the nose: does it necessarily mean cancer?
No. A foreign body, a fungal infection, high blood pressure, or a clotting disorder can also be the cause. But repeated bleeding in an elderly cat should always be examined.
Why is the veterinarian recommending a CT scan and a biopsy?
Because the signs of a nasal tumor resemble those of other diseases. A CT scan shows the extent of the lesions, and a biopsy determines which disease it is. Without these tests, we cannot confirm the diagnosis or choose the appropriate treatment.
Is my cat suffering?
A nasal tumor can be uncomfortable, especially when it interferes with breathing or causes facial deformity. Comfort treatments are available; discuss this with your veterinarian, who will assess your cat's pain and quality of life.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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