Our Summary

This research paper is about a case study involving an 11-year-old European cat that was brought in due to four months of sneezing, runny nose, breathing problems, and eye inflammation. The cat had a bloody, pus-filled discharge from its nose and noisy breathing. Using a CT scan, a tumor was found in the back of the cat’s right nasal cavity and sinus. A biopsy was taken with the help of an endoscope, a tool used to look inside the body, and it was discovered that the cat had B-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer. The tumor was successfully removed using a type of surgery called functional endoscopic sinus surgery, which is a less invasive procedure. After the surgery, the cat’s breathing was back to normal and he showed no signs of cancer for 15 months.

FAQs

  1. What symptoms led to the diagnosis of the cat’s sinus issue?
  2. How was the B-cell lymphoma identified in the cat?
  3. What was the outcome of the functional endoscopic sinus surgery for the cat?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing sinus surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding activities that may increase pressure in the sinuses. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns. Staying hydrated and avoiding irritants such as smoke can also help promote healing after sinus surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended sinus surgery typically include those who have chronic sinusitis that does not respond to other treatments, nasal polyps, deviated septum, sinus tumors, or structural abnormalities of the sinuses that are causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic nasal congestion, facial pain, or recurrent sinus infections. In the case of the 11-year-old cat mentioned in the abstract, the patient was recommended sinus surgery to remove a nasal tumor that was causing respiratory distress and other symptoms.

Timeline

  • Before sinus surgery: The patient experiences symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, respiratory distress, and conjunctivitis. Physical examination reveals bilateral hemorrhagic mucopurulent nasal discharge and stertorous respiratory sounds. Computed tomography identifies an irregular shaped mass in the nasal cavity and sphenoidal sinus. An endoscopic-guided biopsy is performed, and B-cell lymphoma is diagnosed.
  • After sinus surgery: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is performed to remove the tumor and restore normal nasal flow. The cat shows no recurrence of the neoplasia for 15 months after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications of sinus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of sinus surgery for my specific condition?
  3. What is the recovery process like after sinus surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after sinus surgery?
  5. How long will it take for me to see improvement in my symptoms after sinus surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after sinus surgery?
  7. How long will the effects of sinus surgery last?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after sinus surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to sinus surgery that I should consider?
  10. What can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort after sinus surgery?

Reference

Authors: Marchesi MC, Valli L, Angeli G, Savastano V, Caivano D. Journal: J Vet Med Sci. 2019 Aug 24;81(8):1219-1222. doi: 10.1292/jvms.19-0213. Epub 2019 Jul 2. PMID: 31270284