My cat has a shoulder lump and weight loss. Is it cancer or a tumor?

Question

My cat has developed a large baseball size knot/lump on him shoulder. I have also noticed a significant weight loss. However, he is eating normal, potty normal, and acting normal. I am afraid this may be cancer or a tumor (from my research) that may just be eating away at him. He doesn't seem to be in any pain. Could you advise me? Thx. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 13 years and 3 months old | 15 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately in a senior cat like Baby, this lump could be a malignant tumor. Cats can be very stoic about pain, and they are often in pain but don't show it. Too often, they don't show signs of illness until they are extremely ill. 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 Baby seen by a vet today if possible or first thing Monday to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. Other possible causes of this lump include a cyst, abscess, lipoma, or benign tumor.

My cat has a shoulder lump and weight loss. Is it cancer or a tumor?

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