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My hamster has a rapidly growing lump on its side. Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

My hamster has very quickly developed a lump/bulge on its side. We don't know what it is but she doesn't seem to be in pain. Should we be concerned?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 1st, 2016

If it has grown rapidly, there is cause for concern. See your veterinarian for an exam. A simple needle aspirate biopsy submitted for pathology can frequently determine the makeup of most lumps.

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7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Unfortunately yes, these lumps are usually aggressive tumors that tend to grow very fast and eventually cause death. it differs from case to case but usually if it's growing fast your hamster will not have more than a few months to live. I would strongly recommend to have it checked by a vet to make sure it is not something else that could be treatable.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2020

    Hi, and thanks for your question. This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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