My horse has a hard lump on her stomach. Is it a cyst or cancer?

It's concerning this lump has gotten bigger, and it could be a cyst, a benign growth, or a malignant growth. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give S's vet a call to make her an appointment.

It looks like a benign cyst to me but, of course, I cannot be 100% sure just by looking at a photo. Whenever you get a chance just take her to your vet so they can check it in person. Now that you know it is there keep an eye on it and if there are any drastic changes with it she should be examined by the vet sooner. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Hello. It is always best to have all unusual lumps & bumps examined by your veterinarian at your earliest convenience. This lesion does not look particularly dangerous & actually looks more like some type of fly bite or chronic irritation, so you might just treat with a topical ointment for a week or so & see if it resolves. She is a young horse, & most cancers will develop at a mucocutaneous junction, such as near the eye, vulva or mouth. We rarely see a skin lesion turn dangerous in this particular region. But if you are at all concerned, have your vet out to take a look. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello. I really do not think this is cancerous or a tumor. It does look like a small cyst, or even a benign skin tag, so just keep an eye on this for now, but do not worry, just show this to your veterinarian at Evie's next scheduled visit. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This may be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

This looks to be an eruption cyst however, this is most common in young horses (less than 5 years old) - very uncommon in older horses. Since she is 18 years of age, it is best to have your vet out to check the bump. Possibilities: * tumor - could be malignant or benign * cyst - may or may not be related to the teeth * abscess - infection * trauma - fracture to bone, when healing, forms a callous and that may be what you are feeling.