Cat Lump Testing and Removal in Essex
Finding a lump or bump on your cat can be very worrying. Whether you have noticed a small pea-sized lump under your cat’s skin, a swelling on the belly, a sore area after a fight or a fast-growing mass, it is important to have it checked by a vet. At Ivy Lodge Veterinary Clinic in Brentwood, Essex, we offer careful cat lump testing and lump removal to find out what the lump is and to advise you on the safest treatment options for your cat.
Online searches such as “lump on my cat’s neck”, “lump on cat’s leg”, “cat skin bumps” or “cat cancer lump” can be confusing and frightening. The only way to know what a lump really is, and whether it needs removing, is a proper veterinary examination.
Why Any Lump or Bump on Your Cat Should Be Checked
Cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so even quite serious problems may look like a simple lump or swelling on the skin. Some lumps are harmless, but others can be painful, infected or cancerous. Early investigation gives the best chance of successful treatment.
You should book a cat lump check if you notice:
- Any new lump, bump or swelling on your cat
- A lump that is getting bigger or changing shape
- A hard or fixed lump under the skin that does not move easily
- Lumps that are hot, red, oozing or bleeding
- Multiple lumps or your cat feeling “bumpy” when you stroke them
- A lump around the mammary glands (along the belly or chest)
- Lumps combined with weight loss, reduced appetite or changes in behaviour
- Your cat licking, biting or scratching at the same area repeatedly
If you have ever thought “my cat has a lump under her skin” or “my cat has a big lump on his side”, it is safest to let us examine it.
Common Types of Lumps and Bumps in Cats
There are many different causes of lumps and bumps in cats. Some are minor and can simply be monitored, while others need treatment or surgery. At Ivy Lodge Vets, we regularly see the following:
Fatty lumps (lipomas)
- Usually soft, squishy lumps under the skin that may move slightly when touched
- More common in older cats, often on the chest, flank or between the legs
- Often benign (non-cancerous), but can grow quite large or affect movement
These lumps are often called “fatty tumours” and can usually be monitored, although removal may be recommended if they get in the way or are difficult to monitor.
Cysts and skin swellings
- Small, round swellings that may be filled with fluid, sebum or keratin
- Can occur on the head, neck, back, tail or legs
- May occasionally burst or become infected, leading to soreness and scabs
Cysts and benign skin growths can still be annoying or uncomfortable for your cat, especially if they are in areas that rub on the collar or get groomed frequently.
Abscesses from bites or injuries
- Very common in outdoor cats, especially after a fight or scratch
- Appear as hot, painful swellings that may develop a soft centre
- Often accompanied by fever, lethargy and reluctance to eat or be touched
These are infections under the skin and usually need veterinary treatment, such as lancing, flushing and antibiotics. Left untreated, they can be very painful and may spread infection further.
Warts, polyps and skin tags
- Small, stalk-like or wart-like growths on the skin or around the mouth and ears
- Can catch on claws, collars or be groomed repeatedly by the cat
- Sometimes bleed or become inflamed and may be better removed
Potentially cancerous lumps and tumours
- Mast cell tumours, fibrosarcomas and mammary tumours are examples seen in cats
- May grow quickly, change colour or ulcerate and bleed
- Often firm or irregular to the touch and may be fixed in place
In cats, some mammary (breast) lumps can be malignant (cancerous), especially in unneutered females or cats spayed later in life. This is why any lump on your cat’s belly or along the mammary chain should be checked promptly.
How We Investigate Cat Lumps at Ivy Lodge Vets
Every cat and every lump is different. When you bring your cat for a lump check appointment, the vet will follow a calm, thorough process:
1. Full clinical examination
- Gentle, nose-to-tail check, including all lumps and bumps you have noticed
- Assessment of your cat’s overall health, weight and body condition
- Questions about how long the lump has been present and any changes you have seen
We may measure and record the size and exact position of each lump so that we can monitor any changes over time.
2. Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
- Uses a very fine needle to take a small sample of cells from the lump
- Most cats tolerate this very well; some may need a little sedation if nervous
- The sample is examined under a microscope in-house or sent to a laboratory
Fine needle aspiration helps to determine whether a lump is likely to be inflammatory, benign or suspicious for cancer. This information guides us on whether to monitor, treat medically or recommend surgery.
3. Biopsy, imaging and further tests
- For deeper or more complex lumps, we may recommend a biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue)
- Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to assess internal structures
- Blood tests can help check your cat is well enough for anaesthesia and surgery
Our aim is always to gather enough information to make a safe, sensible plan for your cat’s treatment.
Cat Lump Removal Surgery (Mass Removal)
If a lump needs to be removed, we can perform cat lump removal surgery (mass removal) at Ivy Lodge Vets using modern anaesthetic and monitoring equipment.
Planning the procedure
- We discuss the type, location and size of the lump with you in detail
- Pre-anaesthetic blood tests may be advised, particularly for older cats
- We will explain whether the lump will be sent to the lab for full histology
You will receive a written estimate and plenty of time to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with the planned surgery.
On the day of surgery
- Your cat is admitted by one of our nurses and settled into a warm, quiet kennel
- They receive a general anaesthetic plus strong pain relief
- The vet carefully removes the lump and closes the wound with sutures
- Where appropriate, the lump is submitted to a laboratory for detailed analysis
Your cat’s heart rate, breathing and depth of anaesthesia are monitored throughout, and they are kept comfortable while waking up.
Aftercare and recovery
- Most cats go home the same day once they are awake and comfortable
- You will be given pain relief and clear written instructions for home care
- We usually arrange a check-up and, if needed, a visit for suture removal
Many owners feel relieved once the lump has been removed and tested, and cats generally recover very quickly with the right aftercare.
Cat Lump Removal Prices
Ivy Lodge Veterinary Clinic offers clear, itemised pricing for many types of cat lump and mass removal. The cost depends on the size and location of the lump, how complex the surgery is and whether laboratory analysis is required.
| MASS REMOVALS | |
|---|---|
| Mass Removal < 2cm | *£180.00 |
| Mass Removal 2cm – 5cm | *£300.00 |
| Mass Removal 5cm – 10cm | *£420.00 |
| Mass Removal > 10cm | *£540.00 |
* Mass Removal prices do not include General Anaesthesia
General Anesthesia Prices
| SERVICE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| General Anaesthesia | £150.00 |
| General Anaesthesia – Additional Per Hour | £50.00 |
When Cat Lumps Need Urgent Attention
Some lumps and swellings should be seen quickly, especially if they are painful or associated with other symptoms.
Contact us as soon as possible if:
- A lump appears suddenly and grows quickly
- There is a large, hot or painful swelling anywhere on your cat
- The lump is bleeding, oozing or has an open sore on top
- Your cat seems unwell, off food, breathing fast or hiding more than usual
- There is a new lump along the mammary glands or under the armpit or groin
If you are unsure whether your cat’s lump is an emergency, please call us for advice. We would always rather you ring and it be nothing serious than wait and worry at home.
Book a Cat Lump Check at Ivy Lodge Vets
If you have found a lump or bump on your cat and have been searching for things like “lump on my cat’s side”, “cat skin bumps” or “cat cancer lump”, the next step is to book a proper examination.
Contact Us Today
We will find a convenient appointment, examine your cat gently and work with you to create a clear plan to investigate and, where needed, safely remove any lumps or bumps.