Painless dark lump on my senior cat's skin: Is it a lipoma or tumor?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years and 7 months old | 10 lbs
My 11 year old female cat has a dark lump protruding from her skin. She doesn't seem to have any pain. Is this just a fatty lipoma?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 15th, 2017
It could be a lipoma, but unfortunately in a senior cat like Leia it could also be a malignant tumor. Other possibilities include a cyst, abscess, or benign tumor. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Leia seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 17th, 2017
This lump on Sammy could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. Unfortunately, a malignant tumor is always possible in a senior cat. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Sammy seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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