# Nasal Mass in Cats: Causes, Testing, and What Comes Next A nasal mass in cats is any abnormal growth inside the nose or the space behind it. Some are benign polyps, and some are cancer, and the symptoms often look the same from the outside. Only a biopsy can tell you which one your cat has, and that answer decides everything that comes next. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - A nasal mass is a growth in the nasal cavity or nasopharynx, and it can be benign (like a polyp) or malignant (like osteosarcoma). - Benign polyps usually affect younger cats, while nasal cancer is more common in middle-aged and older cats [1]. - Sneezing, nasal discharge, noisy breathing, and nosebleeds are the most common signs, and they do not tell you whether the mass is cancer. - A biopsy (tissue sample) is the only way to confirm what the mass is, because imaging shows where a mass is but not what it is made of. - Benign polyps are often cured with surgery, while cancer usually needs a treatment plan built around the specific tumor type. ## What a Nasal Mass Looks Like in a Cat A nasal mass is tissue that should not be there, growing inside the nasal cavity, the sinuses, or the nasopharynx (the space behind the nose where air passes on the way to the throat). You cannot see most of these growths from the outside. What you see are the effects. The most common signs are sneezing, nasal discharge, and increased breathing sounds [2]. Some cats develop nosebleeds, facial swelling, or trouble breathing through the nose. A cat with a large mass may breathe through an open mouth, lose appetite, or seem tired. ### What Is Normal and What Is Not Occasional sneezing is normal. Cats sneeze when dust, pollen, or a bit of discharge irritates the nose. Clear discharge that comes and goes with the seasons is often nothing serious. What is not normal is a problem that stays on one side of the nose, keeps coming back, or gets worse over weeks. A one-sided nasal mass often causes one-sided signs, so discharge, sneezing, or bleeding from just the left or right nostril is a pattern worth mentioning to your veterinarian. Some cats have a chronic overflow of tears from a blocked tear duct, called epiphora. This is more common in Persian and Himalayan breeds and usually causes no medical problems [3]. It is a separate issue from a nasal mass, but it shows how breed and anatomy can affect the nose and tear ducts. ## Main Causes of Nasal Masses in Cats A mass in the nose is not one disease. It is a finding that has several possible causes, and they range from harmless to life threatening. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Nasopharyngeal polyp | Benign growth, often starting in the middle ear and extending into the nasopharynx. More common in young cats, average age about 1.85 years in one study [1]. Causes noisy breathing, sneezing, discharge [2]. | Urgent if breathing is affected, otherwise schedule a visit soon | | Nasal cancer (neoplasia) | More common in older cats. Can cause nosebleeds, facial swelling, and bone destruction. Nasal neoplasia was the primary CT diagnosis in about 27% of cats with upper respiratory disease in one study [1]. | Urgent, needs prompt testing | | Rhinosinusitis (inflammation) | The most common CT finding in cats with upper respiratory disease at about 55% [1]. Often follows viral infection. Causes discharge and sneezing but is not a true mass. | See your vet if signs last more than a week or two | | Fungal infection | Cryptococcus is relatively common in cats, while Aspergillus and Penicillium are rare [4]. Can form a mass-like swelling. | Urgent, needs specific testing and long treatment | | Blastomycosis | Rare. One cat had facial swelling and nosebleeds, and biopsy showed a fungal infection instead of cancer [5]. | Urgent if you live in an area where this fungus is found | | Other rare tumors | Nasal osteosarcoma is rare, and the telangiectatic subtype is the rarest. It can invade the brain [6]. | Emergency if breathing or neurologic signs appear | ### Benign Polyps Versus Cancer Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign, meaning they are not cancer [2]. They usually grow from the middle ear and pass through the Eustachian tube into the nasopharynx [2]. The cause is not clear, but chronic inflammation may play a role [2]. Because they are benign, they do not spread to other organs. The problem is size. A polyp can grow large enough to block the nasopharynx, and surgery is recommended when that happens [2]. If the whole polyp and its stalk are not removed, regrowth is common [2]. Cancer behaves differently. Nasal tumors can destroy bone, spread into nearby tissue, and in rare cases reach the brain [6]. A nasal mass in an older cat with nosebleeds and facial swelling is more concerning for cancer, but age alone cannot rule cancer in or out. Young cats can get cancer too. One 4-year-old cat had an aggressive nasal osteosarcoma that invaded the brain [6]. This is why the biopsy matters so much. Two cats can look identical on the outside and have completely different diseases. ## Red Flags That Make It an Emergency Call an emergency clinic right away if your cat: - Breathes through an open mouth at rest, or you see the belly and chest working hard with each breath - Has heavy bleeding from the nose that does not stop - Collapses, seems confused, or has a seizure - Stops eating and drinking for more than a day - Has sudden severe facial swelling, especially with eye swelling or bulging Breathing trouble is the sign that worries veterinarians most with nasal disease. A cat with a blocked nose cannot easily switch to mouth breathing the way a dog can, so obstruction can become dangerous quickly. If your cat is struggling for air, that is an emergency, not a wait-and-see problem. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While You Wait You cannot treat a nasal mass at home, but you can keep your cat comfortable and avoid making things worse. - Keep the nose clean. Gently wipe discharge with a warm, damp cloth. Use a separate corner for each nostril so you do not spread anything from one side to the other. - Run a humidifier or take your cat into a steamy bathroom. Moist air can loosen dried discharge and ease stuffiness. - Offer soft, smelly food. Cats with a blocked nose often lose their sense of smell and stop eating. Warming food slightly can help. - Do not give any human medication. Never give decongestants, pain relievers, or antihistamines without veterinary direction. Many common human drugs are toxic to cats, and your veterinarian will calculate any dose from your cat's weight and health. - Do not try to look up the nose or remove anything yourself. You can cause bleeding or push a mass further in. - Keep a simple log. Note which nostril is affected, what the discharge looks like, how often your cat sneezes, and whether breathing is noisy. This helps your veterinarian a lot. If your cat is sneezing more than usual and you are not sure why, our guide on [why your cat is sneezing so much with a runny nose](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/why-is-my-cat-sneezing-so-much-and-has-a-runny-nose) can help you sort out what to watch for. ## What Your Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your veterinarian will start with a full physical exam, including the mouth, eyes, and face. They will check for facial swelling, eye changes, and whether airflow is reduced on one side. Then they will recommend tests. ### Imaging Computed tomography (CT) is the standard way to look inside the nasal cavity. It shows where a mass is, how large it is, and whether bone has been damaged. In one study of 94 cats with upper respiratory disease, CT identified rhinosinusitis in about 55%, nasal neoplasia in about 27%, and nasopharyngeal polyps in about 15% [1]. CT can also show turbinate destruction, which is severe damage to the small bony scrolls inside the nose [7]. CT findings alone cannot confirm what a mass is made of, so tissue testing is still needed. ### Biopsy and Tissue Testing A biopsy means taking a small piece of the mass and sending it to a lab. This is the step that gives you an answer. In the blastomycosis case, biopsy and cytology revealed a fungal infection, not cancer, and the cat improved after 8 months of itraconazole treatment [5]. In the angiofibroma case, histopathology identified a specific tumor type, which guided radiation therapy [8]. Without that tissue, neither cat could have been treated correctly. Your veterinarian may collect the sample with a scope (rhinoscopy), through the mouth, or during surgery. They will explain which method fits your cat. ### Other Tests - Blood work to check overall health and rule out other problems - Infectious disease testing, including PCR for organisms like Mycoplasma felis, which was the most common cause of rhinosinusitis in one study [1] - Fungal testing if your cat lives in or has traveled to an area where fungal disease is common [5] ### Treatment Depends on the Diagnosis - Polyps: surgical removal. Complete removal of the polyp and stalk lowers the chance of regrowth [2]. - Fungal infection: long courses of antifungal medication. One cat needed 8 months of treatment [5]. - Cancer: options may include surgery, radiation, or other treatments chosen for the specific tumor. One cat with a nasal angiofibroma received stereotactic body radiation therapy in three daily doses and had a partial response at recheck [8]. Your veterinarian will build the plan around your cat's tumor type, stage, and overall health. ## Prevention and Monitoring There is no proven way to prevent a nasal mass. The cause of nasopharyngeal polyps is unclear, though chronic inflammation may play a role [2]. Keeping your cat's upper respiratory health in good shape is still worthwhile. - Stay current on vaccines, especially for feline viral rhinotracheitis and calicivirus, which are the most common causes of sudden rhinitis and sinusitis [4]. - Treat chronic nasal infections. Long-term inflammation after severe viral infection is common in cats [4]. - Watch for changes. If your cat has a known polyp or a history of nasal disease, note any new sneezing, discharge, or noisy breathing. - Keep follow-up appointments. Regrowth is common if a polyp is not fully removed [2], and cancer can progress even after treatment [8]. If your cat has a history of sneezing with blood, our article on [sneezing with blood, upper respiratory infection, and nasal polyps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-cat-sneezing-with-blood-upper-respiratory-infection-and-nasal-polyps) explains how those signs overlap. For a broader look at sneezing patterns, see [cat sneezing a lot: allergies, infection, or something else](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-sneezing-a-lot). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what your cat has. Only your veterinarian can, and individual cases need a veterinarian's hands-on exam and testing. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat has new one-sided nasal discharge, a nosebleed that stops on its own, facial swelling, or a sudden drop in appetite. Go to an emergency clinic now if your cat is open-mouth breathing at rest, has bleeding that will not stop, or seems weak, wobbly, or confused. Schedule a routine visit soon if your cat has had nasal discharge or sneezing for more than a week or two, especially if it is one-sided or getting worse. Early testing gives you more options, whatever the diagnosis turns out to be. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does a nasal mass in cats always mean cancer? No. Many nasal masses are benign, including nasopharyngeal polyps, which are not cancer [2]. Fungal infections can also form mass-like swelling that looks like a tumor on imaging [5]. Only a biopsy can tell the difference. ### Can a benign polyp turn into cancer? There is no evidence that nasopharyngeal polyps become cancer. They are benign growths, and the main concern is that they can grow large enough to block the nasopharynx [2]. The cause is not fully understood, but chronic inflammation may be involved [2]. ### How long can a cat live with a nasal mass? That depends entirely on the diagnosis, the treatment chosen, and how your cat responds. Some benign polyps are resolved with surgery, while some cancers progress despite treatment [8]. Your veterinarian can give you a realistic outlook once the biopsy results are back. ### Will my cat need anesthesia for testing? Most cats need anesthesia or heavy sedation for a proper nasal exam and biopsy. The nose is small, sensitive, and easy to bleed, so veterinarians cannot get a good sample while a cat is awake. Your veterinarian will check blood work first to make sure anesthesia is safe for your cat. ### Is nasal cancer in cats painful? Nasal tumors can cause discomfort, especially when they press on bone or block airflow. Signs like appetite loss, facial swelling, and breathing effort suggest your cat is uncomfortable. Your veterinarian can discuss pain control and comfort care as part of the treatment plan. ## Related Articles - [Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much And Has A Runny Nose](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/why-is-my-cat-sneezing-so-much-and-has-a-runny-nose) - [Why Is My Cat Sneezing?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-cat-sneezing) - [Upper Respiratory Infection In Cats Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/upper-respiratory-infection-in-cats-symptoms) - [Why Is My Cat sneezing with blood? Upper Respiratory Infection and Nasal Polyps](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-cat-sneezing-with-blood-upper-respiratory-infection-and-nasal-polyps) - [Cat Sneezing a Lot: Allergies, Infection, or Something Else?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-sneezing-a-lot) - [Cat Coughing and Gagging: Causes and Urgency](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-coughing-and-gagging) - [Nasal Cancer in Cats: Symptoms and Life Expectancy](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/nasal-cancer-cats-symptoms-life-expectancy) - [Nasal Tumors in Cats: Treatment Options Explained](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/senior-and-chronic-care/nasal-tumors-cats-treatment) - [Nosebleeds in Cats: Causes and When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/nosebleeds-cats-causes-when-to-worry) - [Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management](/knowledge/bacteria/pet-bacteria/feline-upper-respiratory-infection-uri) - [Bacterial Respiratory Infections in Cats: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment](/knowledge/bacteria/pet-bacteria/bacterial-respiratory-infections-cats) ## References 1. [Feline upper respiratory tract disease - Computed tomography and laboratory diagnostic](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36185517/). Veterinary world, 2022. 2. [Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-cats/nasopharyngeal-polyps-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 3. [Disorders of the Nasal Cavity and Tear Ducts in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/eye-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-nasal-cavity-and-tear-ducts-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 4. [Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats - Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/lung-and-airway-disorders-of-cats/rhinitis-and-sinusitis-in-cats). Merck Veterinary Manual. 5. [Epistaxis and Facial Swelling Due to Nasal Blastomycosis in a Cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38175979/). Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2024. 6. [Nasal telangiectatic osteosarcoma with direct extension to the brain in a domestic shorthair cat](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39691675/). JFMS open reports, 2024. 7. [Anatomical Empty Nose in Dogs and Cats After Nasal Disease or Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Implications for Human Empty Nose Syndrome?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42135185/). The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 2026. 8. [Treatment of a nasal angiofibroma in a cat using stereotactic body radiation therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37667970/). Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association, 2023. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Cat Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners) - [Cornell Feline Health Center: Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)