Slug's Story
Slug has always liked coming to the vets and is always very cooperative. On this particular day she was a little anxious, probably picking up on her owner's worry about the lump. Lumps are a very common and can be very serious, so it is sensible to get them checked out.
On this occasion Slug's lump was about as wide as a 20p coin, soft, round and just under the skin. Features like this help your vet to help narrow the possible types of lump. Lumps can vary from malignant cancers to more benign tumours and even lumps that are not a tumour at all, such as inflammatory or infectious swellings.
In most cases, if we are suspicious that the lump could be serious, early removal can give the best possible outcome. Even very aggressive tumours can sometimes be cured if they are removed very early. Sadly, removal is not always curative for some tumours. Treatment options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be appropriate for some types of cancer.
Ordinarily, rushing into surgery is not best for the patient. Sometimes we can do less invasive tests to help provide additional information. A frequently used test, and one that we used for Slug, is a Fine Needle Aspirate, often abbreviated to FNA. A small needle is placed into the lump to collect some cells. It's normally no more painful for the patient than an injection. It is important that the patient is very still so that the needle goes only where intended.
These cells can be analysed at a laboratory, or sometimes by your vet, to help give clues about the tumour. It can often help us decide if the lump is something aggressive and urgently needs removal, from something more benign or inflammatory in nature. A great way of avoiding unnecessary surgery, although due to the small number of cells, an exact diagnosis is not always possible. Occasionally a surgical biopsy or the whole tumour needs to be sent to get an accurate diagnosis.
In most cases, if we are suspicious that the lump could be serious, early removal can give the best possible outcome. Even very aggressive tumours can sometimes be cured if they are removed very early. Sadly, removal is not always curative for some tumours. Treatment options like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be appropriate for some types of cancer.
Ordinarily, rushing into surgery is not best for the patient. Sometimes we can do less invasive tests to help provide additional information. A frequently used test, and one that we used for Slug, is a Fine Needle Aspirate, often abbreviated to FNA. A small needle is placed into the lump to collect some cells. It's normally no more painful for the patient than an injection. It is important that the patient is very still so that the needle goes only where intended.
These cells can be analysed at a laboratory, or sometimes by your vet, to help give clues about the tumour. It can often help us decide if the lump is something aggressive and urgently needs removal, from something more benign or inflammatory in nature. A great way of avoiding unnecessary surgery, although due to the small number of cells, an exact diagnosis is not always possible. Occasionally a surgical biopsy or the whole tumour needs to be sent to get an accurate diagnosis.
Slug was very tolerant during the sampling; she had a gentle cuddle from her owner and didn't even notice the needle. We were able to get a really good sample of the cells, which allowed us to be very confident that the lump was made of fatty cells. In nearly all cases, these tumours are very benign (although sometimes they can grow quite large).
Due to the location, size and the lab results, we could quickly reassure Slug's owners that she was going to be fine. We discussed the option of surgical removal but decided that since the lump was small and was unlikely to cause her any trouble, we might be best leaving it alone.
Slug's owners are going to have a gentle feel of the lump every so often and, if it changes, we will re-examine Slug in case we need to change the plan. For now, everyone can relax and no surgery for Slug. A great outcome for everyone.
What should you do if you find a lump on your pet?
Keep a record of:
- When you first noticed it
- How big it is
- Has the colour changed
- Is it is painful or itchy for the pet.
Keep looking for any changes since you first noticed it, until you can see your vet and have it assessed. All of the information you provide is really helpful in giving you the best advice.
