Why does my cat have a persistent lump under skin near shoulder?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dexter. This lump may be an enlarged lymph node if it's right below his neck. That can indicate an infection or a dental problem. Other possibilities include a cyst, an abscess, a lipoma, or a benign growth. Given it's local, I do think it's important to have it checked out by a vet, and I would have him seen by one in the next few days. I hope this helps!

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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to see a lump in the photo, but at Capernicus’s age, malignant growths are fairly unlikely. This may be a reaction to a vaccine if administered recently that should disappear with time. I recommend keeping an eye on it and having the spot seen by a vet if there is any discharge, bleeding, increase in size, or it seems to be bothering him. I hope this helps and that all is well!

I would recommend to get Peanut in sooner rather than later to have the mass aspirated. This should give you an idea of what type of mass it is and if you need to be worried. Most skin masses are benign but there is always a chance its cancerous. The aspirate is quick and generally does not require sedation or stitches. Try not to worry until you know what you are dealing with. Best of luck with Peanut.

If she is otherwise acting normal, then you could monitor it for a little bit and see if it goes away. If the lump persists, then she should be examined by your vet to determine the cause. Your vet can do a fine needle aspirate and cytology to help diagnose the type of mass. If the cells look concerning, then your vet may recommend removal with biopsy.

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!

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!