Finding a lump on your pet is worrying. Many lumps turn out to be harmless, but some aren't, and you can't tell which just by looking or feeling. Here's how we find out what a lump is and, when it needs to come out, what surgery involves.
It's always worth having a new lump looked at. Book sooner rather than later if a lump:
The first step is usually a fine needle aspirate: a small needle collects cells from the lump to examine under a microscope. It's quick, usually needs no sedation, and often tells us whether a lump is a harmless fatty lump or something that should be removed. Sometimes a small tissue biopsy is needed for a clearer answer. If removal is recommended, the plan depends on what the lump is likely to be. Harmless lumps can be removed with a small margin. Lumps that could be cancerous are removed with a wider border of healthy tissue, which lowers the chance of regrowth. Removed tissue is sent to a lab (histopathology) to confirm exactly what it was and whether the edges are clear.
Most lump removals are done under general anesthesia, though very small lumps can sometimes be removed with sedation and local anesthetic. Pain management is provided throughout, and most pets go home the same day. If your pet is already coming in for an anesthetic, such as a dental cleaning, lumps can often be removed at the same time.
Rest at home. Mild swelling or bruising around the incision is normal. Your pet will need a cone or a protective garment to stop licking.
Short leash walks only. Keep the incision clean and dry, with no baths or swimming. Check it daily for swelling, discharge or gaping.
Lab results usually arrive within about one to two weeks. We'll call you to explain what they mean and any next steps.
Recheck and stitch removal at 14 days, then a return to normal activity.
Everything above covers what most owners need. If you'd like to know more about common lumps and what lab results mean, this section walks through it.
Many lumps are benign, including fatty lumps (lipomas), cysts, warts and histiocytomas, a small, often red lump common in young dogs that frequently disappears on its own. Others need prompt attention, including mast cell tumours, soft tissue sarcomas and mammary tumours. In cats, skin lumps are more likely to be cancerous than in dogs, so we recommend checking them early.
A smaller lump means a smaller surgery, a smaller incision, and a better chance of removing it completely. Waiting to "see what happens" can turn a simple procedure into a much bigger one.
The report confirms what the lump was, and for cancers, how aggressive it's likely to be (its grade). It also tells us whether the removed tissue had a clear margin of healthy cells around it. This information shapes any next steps.
Many cancerous lumps are cured with surgery alone. Sometimes a second surgery to take a wider margin, further tests to check for spread, or a referral to a veterinary oncologist is recommended. We'll explain every option clearly and help you decide what's right for your pet.
Most incisions heal without trouble. The most common issue is a seroma, a soft fluid pocket under the skin, which usually settles on its own. Less commonly, the incision can become infected or open up, especially if a pet licks it, which is why the cone matters.
Run your hands over your pet regularly, for example during grooming. Note any lump's location and size (a photo next to a coin works well), and let us know if anything new appears or changes.
No. Many harmless lumps can simply be monitored. Testing a lump first helps us recommend removal only when it's worthwhile.
Often, yes. Combining procedures means your pet only needs one anesthetic.
Harmless lumps rarely return once removed, though new ones can appear elsewhere. For cancerous lumps, the lab report tells us whether regrowth is a concern and what monitoring is needed.
It depends on the lump's size, location and whether lab testing is needed. We'll give you a clear, itemized estimate beforehand.
