As a veterinarian, one of the most common reasons pet owners bring their beloved companions to our
clinic is the discovery of a lump or bump. It’s understandable that such findings can be worrying and even the word “tumour” often conjures fears of cancer and the worst possible outcomes. However, it’s important to remember that not all lumps are cancerous until proven otherwise, and even those that are cancerous can often be treated if identified early.
A “lump” or “bump” is any abnormal growth or mass of tissue. This lump is called a tumour and these can be categorised into two types:
1. Benign Tumours: Non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body. Examples
include lipomas (fatty tumours) and sebaceous cysts.
2. Malignant Tumours: Cancerous growths that have the potential to invade surrounding tissues and
spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Despite these definitions, you cannot tell what a lump is 100% accurately by appearance alone. That is why testing is essential.
Why Testing Is Necessary
• Appearance Can Be Deceptive: A small, smooth lump might seem harmless but could be
malignant. Conversely, a large, irregular lump could turn out to be benign.
• Early Diagnosis Saves Lives: If a lump is malignant, identifying it early increases the chances of
successful treatment and management.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Knowing the type of lump allows us to create the best plan for your pet,
whether that’s surgical removal, medication, or simply monitoring it over time.
How We Test Lumps
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Physical Examination: During a check-up, we’ll assess the lump’s size, shape, location, texture, 
and whether it’s attached to underlying tissues.
2. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): This involves using a small needle to collect cells from the lump.
The sample is then examined under a microscope to identify its nature. FNA is quick and usually
doesn’t require sedation, we can often assess this inhouse giving immediate results. In some cases
it is more tricky to tell what the lump is and we may wish to send this off to a pathologist for a
second opinion. In other cases we need a larger amount of cells to be sure what type of lump we
are dealing with and so a biopsy may be nescessary.
3. Biopsy: If FNA results are inconclusive or more detailed information is needed, a biopsy may be
performed. This involves taking a larger sample of tissue, often under sedation or anesthesia.
4. Imaging: In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended to check if
the lump has affected nearby tissues or organs. Or if nescessary advanced imaging such as CT or
MRI may be required at a specialist hopsital.
What Happens After Testing?
Once we have the results, we’ll discuss the findings with you and explain the next steps. Possible
outcomes include:
• Monitoring: If the lump is benign and not causing discomfort, we might simply track it for changes
over time.
• Removal: Surgical removal might be recommended if the lump is malignant, rapidly growing, or in
an uncomfortable location.
• Further Treatment: In cases of malignant tumors, additional treatments such as chemotherapy,
radiation, or secondary surgery might be necessary.
How You Can Help
• Regular Check-Ups: Bring your pet in for regular veterinary exams, where we can monitor for new
or changing lumps.
• Home Monitoring: Periodically check your pet for lumps during grooming or petting sessions. If
you find something, note its size, shape, and location.
• Prompt Action: If you notice a lump, don’t wait. The sooner we evaluate it, the better.
Final Thoughts
Discovering a lump on your pet can be alarming, but knowledge is power. Testing is the only way to
determine whether a lump is benign or malignant, and early detection can make all the difference. Rest
assured, our goal is to provide the best care and guidance to ensure your pet lives a happy, healthy life. If
you’ve found a lump on your furry friend, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Rochford Vets.
