Carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Breeds documented: 7
Published sources: 5

Overview

Carcinomas are cancers that can develop inside the nose and nearby sinuses. As they enlarge, these tumors can damage nearby bone and soft tissue, causing ongoing discharge, nosebleeds or changes in the shape of the face. Carcinomas can also spread to other sites, including nearby lymph nodes and the lungs, often later in the disease.

Signs to watch for

Nasal discharge that continues or contains blood
Repeated sneezing or nosebleeds
New snoring or noisy breathing through the nose
Swelling or an altered shape around the face
A bulging eye or excessive tearing

These tumors are generally diagnosed in older dogs, around 9.5 to 10 years on average.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit soon for unexplained nosebleeds.

Diagnosis and tests

A CT scan helps the vet map a nasal mass and assess nearby bone and sinus changes. Confirmation requires a biopsy, meaning a sample of the abnormal tissue for laboratory examination. The sample may be collected using scan guidance or rhinoscopy, a camera examination inside the nose.

Breeds with documented risk

7 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
3 Medium
2 Large

German Shorthaired PointerMedium · Sporting Group
Shetland SheepdogSmall · Herding Group
Basset HoundMedium · Hound Group
CollieMedium · Herding Group
Scottish TerrierSmall · Terrier Group
Airedale TerrierLarge · Terrier Group
Old English SheepdogLarge · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.