Update on Carter-second opinion on lump

[Maggiesmom]

Carter and I went to see my other vet this morning regarding his lump on his hind leg. He assumed sebaceous cyst upon its appearance, but when he did the aspiration, he did not see any brown liquid or pus, which would most likely be seen with a sebaceous cyst, so he is a bit concerned. He only got tissue. The tissue will be sent out today for a biopsy and analysis. If it shows cancerous cells or is "hot", of course we will remove it ASAP. At least I caught it early, and even if it is cancerous, he should be able to fully remove it and get good margins with the procedure (now that you all explained that to me, I asked about it!). He also thinks we should remove the lump if there is no definitive diagnosis, and I agree. It's too much to take a chance on. We'll get the biopsy results this week and go from there. It does appear to be dermal, by the way, not in the muscle, so it won't be too difficult to remove it.
I'll post another update when the results are in. Thanks again for the advice.

[Traci]

Glad to hear it was at least aspirated and sent for pathology. Also glad to hear it wasn't connected to muscle.

Hang in there, post results when you can.

[Maggiesmom]

Good news-

The biopsy showed that Carter's lump is indeed a lipoma. The vet (second to say this) does not recommend removal at this time. It would only be for aesthetic reasons.

Now, do I still insist on removal? Is it possible this could be someting else?

[davet]

leave it alone but every month check it for change in size or density...if it starts to get hard then go for a recheck, otherswuis it is just a nusiance...

[Traci]

Or if it gets infected (i.e., draining liquid, pus or blood)...otherwise, if only a lipoma, monitor it for size, shape, etc.