Radiation therapy
for nasal carcinoma
in dogs — Florida.
Nasal adenocarcinoma is the most common nasal tumor in dogs — and one of the most radiation-responsive. SBRT is the established standard of care, with consistent survival results that surgery alone cannot match.
“The only center 100% dedicated to Radiation Oncology in Florida”
Why radiation therapy is the primary treatment
— not surgery.
Nasal adenocarcinoma arises within the nasal cavity — a space bounded by bone on all sides and adjacent to the brain, orbits, and hard palate. This anatomy, which makes surgery extremely difficult, actually works in radiation's favor: the tumor sits in a well-defined location that can be precisely and repeatedly targeted.
The most common presenting signs — unilateral nosebleed (epistaxis), nasal discharge, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing through one nostril — often appear months before the diagnosis is confirmed. By the time histopathology confirms carcinoma, the tumor has typically invaded adjacent bone. Radiation therapy addresses this with the precision that surgery cannot safely provide.
What the evidence shows
Multiple prospective and retrospective studies in veterinary oncology have documented that SBRT produces median survival times of 12–19 months in dogs with nasal carcinoma — consistently longer than rhinotomy (3–6 months) or supportive care alone. The addition of chemotherapy in select cases may further improve outcomes.
What CT reveals — and why it changes treatment
CT imaging of the skull is essential before any treatment decision. It maps exact tumor extent, bone destruction, cribriform plate involvement, and orbital invasion — information that determines the radiation field and influences prognosis. CT of the thorax is also performed to evaluate for pulmonary metastasis, which is uncommon early but relevant to treatment planning.
The standard of care
for nasal carcinoma.
Every nasal carcinoma case at AARADONC begins with a complete specialist review — CT imaging, biopsy results, staging, and your goals. Dr. DiBernardi personally designs every plan. No generalized protocols, no shortcuts.
Varian TrueBeam® + IGRT. Cone Beam CT before every session confirms exact tumor position — critical for nasal carcinoma given proximity to the brain and orbits. Our Varian TrueBeam® delivers VMAT/RapidArc for shorter anesthesia per session.
SBRT as standard. SBRT (stereotactic radiation therapy) delivers precise, targeted doses in fewer sessions — maximizing tumor control while protecting the brain, eyes, and oral cavity.
Palliative option when appropriate. For pets where curative intent is not feasible, 3–5 session palliative protocols achieve meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life.
SBRT is the standard of care for nasal carcinoma.
What pet families
ask us most.
Scientific references.
The clinical information on this page is grounded in peer-reviewed veterinary radiation oncology literature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Same-day response.
Dr. DiBernardi personally reviews every case. Tell us about your dog and we'll respond the same day with a clear, honest recommendation.
Request a Consultationnasal carcinoma.
Submit a referral and receive same-day acknowledgment. We coordinate directly with your practice throughout treatment and provide full written reports.
Referral Information →