My cat has a raw, irritated lump near her nipple. Is it cancer?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tashi! If the mass is associated with a nipple it is likely a mass in the mammary gland. Sadly about 85% of masses in cat mammary glands tend to be cancerous. I highly recommend a vet visit so they can examine Tashi. You the can discuss removing the mass for biopsy. I hope this helps and I wish Tashi the best!

Hi. It appears to be a mass that is oozing near that nipple area. This could be an infection or an actual mass. We get concerned with older female pets who have masses on the mammary glands. They can get benign masses, but they can get cancer as well. I'd get her right away to have it checked and sampled asap

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is likely from her mammary gland. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Dahlia evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Based on its location, this could also be a mammary gland tumor which in most cases are malignant. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi. Poor Martha. Yes, any lump around the mammary area is concerning until proven benign. Especially if she was spayed later in life. The sooner these get checked and then removed if needed, the better the outcome. I would definitely recommend getting it checked and having them take a needle sample to look at the cells that it is made up of. This will help guide the next steps. If you would like to discuss further, you can open a consultation if you'd like. Good luck.

This is likely a mass and it should be examined by a veterinarian. Since it is apparently growing and bleeding because the skin is overstretching, it should also be removed surgically, whether it is benign or malignant. this should happen very soon, as the wound will be prone to bacterial infection. This is not heartworm. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian. She is a beautiful cat!

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Angel is feeling unwell. Her behaviour may be related to the crusting around her mammary glands, but it could also be something else entirely (pain, infection, stress, etc). If she is still lethargic and/or not eating within the next 24 hours, I would advise taking her to the vet. If there is an actual lump around her nipple, the vet may recommend taking a sample of the lump to see whether it is cancer. They will also perform a full physical exam to check for any signs of pain or infection. I hope this helps, and that Angel is feeling better soon!