Computed Tomography-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Nasal Carcinomas in Dogs

Abstract

Nasal carcinomas in dogs are locally invasive neoplasms with a low metastatic rate that pose significant treatment challenges due to their location and aggressiveness. This study evaluates the safety, feasibility, and therapeutic outcomes of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation (CT-guided RFA) in 15 dogs diagnosed with nasal adenocarcinoma. All patients underwent staging and histopathological diagnosis before treatment. CT-guided RFA achieved a significant tumor volume reduction (82.8%) and improvement in clinical signs such as nasal discharge, epistaxis, and respiratory distress, without complications. Post-RFA CT examinations demonstrated a significant decrease in Hounsfield units and tumor volume. This study has shown that CT-guided RFA is an effective cytoreductive option for minimally invasive management of nasal adenocarcinomas in dogs, particularly when traditional therapies like radiation therapy or surgery are not feasible.

Keywords: CT-guided procedure; cancer therapy; canine; diagnostic imaging; minimally invasive therapy; nasal carcinoma; radiofrequency ablation; thermoablation; veterinary oncology.

Figure 1

Closed polygon region of interest measured at T0 axial CT scan (a). CT scan from the same patient at T2 (b).

Figure 2

CT scan image with MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection), 7 mm thickness, in sagittal (a) and transverse (b) planes, showing the nasal carcinoma with the 2 cm LeVeen electrode fully deployed inside.

Figure 3

Multiplanar CT scan reconstruction at T0 (a–c) and at T2 (d–f), showing sagittal (a,d), transverse (c,f), and dorsal views (b,e). Overlain in light blue is the nasal carcinoma, a soft-tissue mass involving the turbinates. The nasal cavity is delineated by red arrows in all views.