Lumps & Bumps

By Dr. Kathy Morris-Stilwell

There is no way to diagnose the vast majority of lumps on appearance only. A lump is a lump is a lump. A N Y lump deserves to be examined cytologically.

A needle is inserted, some cells are removed, stained and examined microscopically. The evaluation can either be done by a vet with experience doing so, or sent to a pathologist. The cells can often provide a diagnosis or guide us into knowing how to proceed – biopsy (to better identify if cytology doesn’t give complete diagnosis), remove, or ignore. Cytology is used to decide if the mass is likely not malignant, or if additional diagnostics or removal is indicated, and how aggressively it should be excised (how big/deep the incision should be).

There are few masses/tumors that can be diagnosed by just the appearance or how it feels. Some lumps look boring and are actually evil: some look evil but are benign. And so many masses look and feel the same. If cytology doesn’t provide a diagnosis, biopsy is advised. There is no way to diagnose the vast majority of lumps on appearance only.

**The Vet Corner groups encourage members to establish a relationship with their local veterinarian, don’t wait until an emergency.**