Neoplasms of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses in domesticated animals as reported by 13 veterinary colleges
Madewell, B.R.; Priester, W.A.; Gillette, E.L.; Snyder, S.P.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 37(7): 851-856
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 937809 Document Number: 105699
Data on 12 300 microscopically confirmed neoplasms were provided by 13 veterinary colleges; 243 involved the nasal cavity, and 57 involved paranasal sinuses. The incidence reported in dogs was far higher than in cats, horses or sheep. Risk increased with age, but no correlation with breed or length of nose emerged, and the only sex correlation was in cats, where males had double the rate found in females. In horses, dogs and cats, the percentage of malignant neoplasms was 68, 80 and 91, respectively. 49 cases in dogs were investigated further. Carcinomas slightly outnumbered sarcomas, but the variety of neoplasm reflected the variety of tissues in the nasal cavity. The cell of origin was generally impossible to determine, but the presence of squamous cell carcinomas deep in the nasal cavity and sinuses indicates that one mode of origination is by respiratory epithelium undergoing squamous metaplasia. Typical clinical and radiological symptoms were tabulated but, since they are not specific for neoplasms, diagnosis should be confirmed by biopsy. Most dogs had shown symptoms for up to two years, and had received treatment prior to definitive diagnosis. Carcinomas gave rise to secondary growths, whereas sarcomas did not. Radiation therapy and surgery seem to be performed neither soon nor radically enough, because the survival time after diagnosis was only 1-36 months. Results are tabulated and shown graphically.