TL;DR: New lumps on cats require a veterinary evaluation within 24 to 48 hours to determine if they are benign or serious, especially if they change rapidly or cause discomfort.
What should I know if I find a new lump or mass on my cat?
Discovering a new lump or mass under your cat's skin can be a concerning experience. These growths can vary significantly in nature, ranging from harmless fatty tumors (lipomas) or sebaceous cysts to more serious issues like abscesses, inflammatory reactions, or even cancerous tumors. Because it is impossible to determine the nature of a mass by touch alone, a veterinary consultation is necessary to ensure your cat's health and safety.
How quickly does my cat need to see a vet for a new lump?
- Schedule a veterinary evaluation within 24 to 48 hours for most new lumps.
- Seek immediate care if the mass is rapidly changing or discharging fluid.
- Seek urgent veterinary attention if your cat is in pain, acting lethargic, or losing their appetite.
How does taking a photo of my cat's lump help the triage process?
- Provide a clear, well-lit photo to help the veterinary staff visualize the location, size, and surface characteristics of the mass.
- Use the image to create a baseline for tracking any changes in the lump's appearance or size while waiting for your appointment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Upon detection of a new lump or mass on a cat, a thorough physical examination is warranted, including palpation of regional lymph nodes to assess for metastasis. Diagnostic steps should include thoracic radiographs (three views: ventral-dorsal and two laterals) to screen for pulmonary metastasis. Fine-needle aspirates may help differentiate inflammatory from neoplastic lesions, but histopathology is essential for definitive diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis. For cutaneous mast cell tumors, commonly found in cats older than 4 years, surgical excision is the treatment of choice.
Chapter: Oncology, Dermatology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 965)