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Painless dark lump on my senior cat's skin: Is it a lipoma or tumor?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years and 7 months old | 10 lbs

My 11 year old female cat has a dark lump protruding from her skin. She doesn't seem to have any pain. Is this just a fatty lipoma?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2017

It could be a lipoma, but unfortunately in a senior cat like Leia it could also be a malignant tumor. Other possibilities include a cyst, abscess, or benign tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. 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 have Leia seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
This lump on Sammy could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately, a malignant tumor is always possible in a senior cat. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. 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 have Sammy seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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