My cat's chest lump is shrinking. Should he still go to the vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If this disappeared then a cancer would very unlikely and a cyst or infection more likely so I would be more hopeful that that is the case. Continue to monitor Cheese and have him examined if this becomes evident again. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pillu. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian for an examination and a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will help to diagnose the mass. He could have an infection under the skin, a benign growth or even skin cancer. Based on these results, treatment can be started if needed. I hope this information helps!

It may just be a sebaceous cyst (a collection of oily debts under the skin) or a small area of inflammation from another cause. If its not painful and he isn't licking at it, I recommend that you make point once a week to measure it at home. If its changing in size over a couple of months or if it becomes bothersome, have it checked out at your vet. If your cat is too upset for a thorough exam, a little sedation may be recommended by your vet so that he/she can see what it is that you're seeing and make the appropriate recommendations. Thank for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It's hard to tell the size but it looks like it may be a benign wart or growth. It appears to be more on the surface of the skin which is good, and it is well defined. Cats do get malignant skin growths so it is a good idea to have your veterinarian examine it and feel underneath also. They can easily remove this if necessary and do a biopsy. I'm not overly concerned looking at the photo but it's best to be sure. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Louis.

If it seems to be getting bigger and causing a protrusion than he should be reexamined by your vet to determine the cause. At this point, it may be best to remove it, especially since the area is enlarging.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I cannot tell where the lump is on the photo but most if not all lumps needs to be evaluated by a vet. Especially in Simba's case since the lump has gotten swollen. Your vet will perform a full physical exam and determine if the lump needs to be aspirated. Lumps can be anything from an abscess, mass/growth, hernia etc. Your vet will determine after an exam what the next best steps and treatments are. Good luck!