My senior cat has a bleeding lump after mat removal. Is it a tumor?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. That type of behavior of coming and going is typical of a mast cell tumor though of course that is not the only possibility. Another possibility is a recurring infection. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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!

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!

Thank you for providing a picture of the bump on your cat, it's very helpful! It could simply be a benign growth, as it looks like it could be one in your picture, but unfortunately I cannot make the determination for sure without seeing him in person and doing tests on it. It is a bit concerning that it has grown up to 4x in size and is bleeding. It could be bleeding because he is scratching at it, but again I don't know unless I see him in person. Due to the fact it has grown in size and is bleeding for some reason, then yes I do think this is concerning enough to see the vet. It would be good to get the exact diagnosis of the bump; in addition, your cat is 10, which means he's a senior cat, and there is always a risk that any bump in a senior cat could be malignant. I'd give your vet a call to make an appointment. I hope this helps!

Mammary growths in cats have a high chance of being a malignant cancer. Since they are open and draining, they may also be infected It would be best to have a vet check the area to see if surgery is an option to remove them or at least medication to help clean them and clear the infection. Peroxide can actually delay healing after the first use. You are safer with mild soap and water to wipe it clean

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I understand your concern! It is hard to tell exactly what a skin mass is by just looking at it. You need either to biopsy or aspirate it for a definitive diagnosis. With that being said the bump on Kajoor appears to resemble a sebaceous adenoma. Which is more common in dogs. I would consider removing to for biopsy. If it is <8mm and Kajoor is a calm cat your Vet could consider removing it with a local block of lidcaine and a punch biopsy device. I hope this helps and I wish Kajoor the best!

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!

I would recommend at least having the lump evaluated with a physical exam. The vet may be able to do a fine needle aspirate to get some cells to assess what this may be. Draining masses can potential he be abscessed or infected also which should be addressed. Once you have more information after an exam and possible cytology you and your vet can discuss if you would like to pursue removal or anythig further for Cruzee. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.