Why does my hamster have a new shoulder lump but seems fine?

If it has grown rapidly, there is cause for concern. See your veterinarian for an exam. A simple needle aspirate biopsy submitted for pathology can frequently determine the makeup of most lumps.

It may be an abscess or mass. A visit to your veterinarian would be recommended. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. If it is an abscess, it may be drained and antibiotics dispensed. If it a mass, benign or malignant, you can discuss treatment options with your veterinarian.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new additions! I can see a darker area on Rosie's bottom, but it is difficult to determine if the lump is actually protruding. Hamsters do have pretty prominent scent glands, and this may be due to poor grooming of the secretions. Older hamsters have a tendency to develop papillomas, which may be uncomfortable and can cause the trouble walking. You should have Rosie seen by a vet to determine exactly what the growth is, they may take a small sample with a fine needle to send off as a biopsy. In the meantime, keep a close eye on the area for increase in size or bleeding, as these are indications for an emergency visit. I hope all is well!

I would need to see it to confirm but it is probably a tumor, in hamsters these tumors are usually malignant and not treatable, surgery is a possibility but it would personally not recommend it. other than that there is very little that can be done, if the lump ulcerates then antibiotic treatment can be attempted to treat the secondary infection.

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 am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

These types of tumors are very common in old hamsters, they do tend to grow fast too. it's not possible to know how long he has left, but probably not very long. if the problem is affecting him locally only, there is a surgical option to have it removed, which is the only thing that can help at this point.

Lumps can alwys be a tumor, a cyst, or an Abscess. When it is black and solid, it could be melanoma, when it is black and fluctuating, it could be a hematoma. Unfortunately without a photo and the ability to palpate the lump I cannot say which type it might be. However your vet will be able to tell, and if necessary he can determine the type of mass with a fine needle aspirate where a tissue sample is harvested with a very thin needle. Treatment varies depending on diagnosed condition.