Lump Removal
Excisional biopsies are also considered simple lump removals and are performed to further investigate a lump that has been growing on your furbaby’s skin. This is usually recommended when a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) was not able to be carried out due to the lump being too small.
Lump removals usually require your furbaby to be under a full general anaesthetic. The reason that lump removals are to be performed under a full general anaesthetic is to ensure that your furbaby stay still and the procedure will be completely pain-free! It will also help with minimising any negative experience and encourage fear-free handling of your furbaby.
Once the lump is removed, our veterinarian will discuss whether the lump should be sent to a laboratory for analysis, a test called “histopathology.” The pathologist will examine the whole lump under the microscope and this will give us an accurate definite diagnosis of what the lump is.
FAQ’s
Do I need an appointment before my lump removal surgery?
Yes! It is very important to have an appointment with one of our experienced veterinarian to discuss the best surgery and treatment plan for your furbaby. During the appointment, you are also able to discuss any concerns that you may have and our veterinarian will also discuss any preparation needed prior to the surgery including cost, risks and recovery.
How do I know if a lump needs to be removed? Eg cancer?
Our friendly veterinarian will discuss the best treatment plan and advise whether a lump shouldbe removed or not. Often, a FNA will be carried out first before determining if a lump needs to be removed.
Will the lump be sent away to the lab for further testing?
We also recommend paw-parents to send lumps away for further testing if indicated. This procedure is called a “histopathology,” where the pathologist will examine the whole lump under a microscope to give us a definitive diagnosis.
Can my pet go back to normal activities post surgery?
It all depends on the type of surgery that your pet has underwent and how well they are healing. Generally, we do advise pet parents to restrict their furbabies activities in the first 10-14 days following a procedure.
Upon discharge of your pet’s procedure, our surgical nurse will go through the activity recommendation for your furbaby because every pet is unique!
What if it is cancer?
This is every paw-parent’s nightmare for any lump to come back as cancer. Depending on the type of cancer your furbaby has, our caring veterinarian will work closely with you to discuss the best way moving forward, often referring your furbaby to an oncologist (cancer specialist).
Remember, there are many advances in oncology nowadays. While some cancers are difficult to treat, others can respond very well to treatment that sees many furbabies in complete remissions.
How do I monitor for lumps in my pet?
It is advised that paw-parents perform a lump check once a month on their furbaby. You should palpate thoroughly all around the face, neck, body, belly and all 4 legs in a systemic manner to ensure no skin is missed!
How much does the surgery cost to get the lump removed?
Each furbaby is different, requiring different needs and unique care. Our veterinarian will provide an estimate after your consultation with them.
Will my pet go under a general anaesthetic or heavy sedation?
Generally speaking, if the lump is small enough and in the right place, heavy sedation will suffice. However, the majority of lump removals are performed under a full general anaesthetic. During your consultation with our friendly veterinarian, they will discuss the best option for your furbaby.