Nasal tumor radiation
therapy for pets
in Florida.
Nasal tumors are among the most radiation-responsive cancers in veterinary oncology. Radiation is not a last resort — it is the established standard of care and the best chance for long-term control.
“The only center 100% dedicated to Radiation Oncology in Florida”
The most radiation-responsive
tumor in veterinary oncology.
Nasal tumors — adenocarcinomas, carcinomas, and sarcomas of the nasal cavity and sinuses — are among the most predictably responsive cancers to radiation therapy. For these tumors, radiation therapy is the gold standard, not a last resort.
Nasal tumors grow within the rigid architecture of the nasal cavity, bounded by bone and in proximity to the brain, orbits, and palate. This anatomy makes complete surgical removal nearly impossible without significant disfigurement or neurological risk. What anatomy limits for surgery, it enables for radiation — the tumor sits in a well-defined location that can be precisely targeted.
Why radiation outperforms surgery for nasal tumors
Multiple studies in veterinary oncology have consistently shown that definitive radiation therapy produces significantly longer median survival times than supportive care alone. Dogs and cats treated with SBRT regularly achieve median survival of 12–19 months, with a meaningful percentage living 2 years or more. Quality of life is typically well-preserved throughout.
What to expect during treatment
Nasal radiation is delivered as outpatient sessions under short general anesthesia — typically 15–20 minutes — and the animal goes home the same day. Acute side effects are manageable and temporary, and most patients maintain normal activity and appetite throughout the treatment course.
Common nasal tumors
in dogs and cats.
Nasal tumors vary by histology and location. Dr. DiBernardi selects the protocol based on tumor type, CT staging, and your pet's overall health.
Precision radiation.
Tailored to your pet.
Nasal tumor treatment at AARADONC begins with a complete specialist review. Dr. DiBernardi personally evaluates every case — CT imaging, histopathology, staging — before recommending a protocol. Every treatment plan is built from scratch.
Varian TrueBeam® + IGRT. Cone Beam CT imaging before every session confirms exact tumor position. Daily image guidance is especially important for nasal tumors given proximity to the brain, orbits, and critical structures.
SBRT as the standard of care. SBRT (stereotactic radiation therapy) with VMAT/RapidArc delivers precise, targeted doses in fewer sessions — shorter anesthesia time, maximizing tumor control while protecting the brain, eyes, and nasal structures.
Palliative option available. When curative treatment is not the goal, 3–5 session palliative protocols relieve symptoms and improve quality of life meaningfully.
SBRT is the standard of care for nasal tumors.
What pet families
ask us most.
Scientific references.
The clinical information on this page is grounded in peer-reviewed veterinary radiation oncology literature.
- Mayer MN, et al. (2019). Outcomes and adverse effects associated with stereotactic body radiation therapy in dogs with nasal tumors: 28 cases (2011–2016). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 254(5):602.
- Gieger TL, Nolan MW (2018). Linac-based stereotactic radiation therapy for canine non-lymphomatous nasal tumours: 29 cases (2013–2016). Vet Comp Oncol.
- Fox-Alvarez S, Shiomitsu K, Lejeune AT, Szivek A, Kubicek L (2020). Outcome of intensity-modulated radiation therapy–based stereotactic radiation therapy for treatment of canine nasal carcinomas. Vet Radiol Ultrasound.
- Czichon F, Rohrer Bley C, Meier V (2021). Relative tumor volume has prognostic relevance in canine sinonasal tumors treated with radiation therapy: a retrospective study. PLoS ONE.
- Fu D-R, et al. (2023). Retrospective comparison of side effects and outcomes of three-dimensional conformal vs. intensity-modulated radiation therapy for canine nasal tumors. Front Vet Sci. 10:1011949.
- Hunley DW, Mauldin GN, Shiomitsu K, Mauldin GE (2010). Clinical outcome in dogs with nasal tumors treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Can Vet J. 51:293.
Same-day response.
Dr. DiBernardi personally reviews every case. Tell us about your pet and we'll respond the same day with a clear, honest recommendation.
Request a Consultationa nasal tumor.
Submit a referral and receive same-day acknowledgment. We coordinate directly with your practice throughout treatment.
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