My cat has a chest mass, and my vet is unsure. What could it be?

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!

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!

Poor Mog! It is very concerning that this mass has grown rapidly, and she has a poor appetite as well. It would be rare, but there is a possibility she could have a malignant tumor. That would account for the rapid growth and poor appetite, as well as her failing. I would take her into a vet immediately for this growth. 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 it's 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 is found, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. I'm sure this isn't something you want to hear, the chance it could be malignant, but that unfortunately does pop into my mind. Take her into a vet now.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Although a picture of the lump would help to give you more specific answers, this 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!

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 day!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Soft masses that are part of the skin can be either abscesses (pockets of infection), small bits of swelling from vaccine injections (these can last a few months sometimes), fatty masses, and less commonly in a 4 month old kitten, cancers. I would monitor it, if Bean is painful or if it is growing or changing get it looked at right away, otherwise just monitor for now and have it assessed by your vet next time you are in. Best of luck with Bean!

I'm sorry Bebe has a lump, but this is a great question! 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 it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would speak to your vet about having this done on Bebe's lump if they feel it's necessary. I hope this helps :-)