Tumor & Mass Removal Surgery for Pets in Westminster, CO
Mass removal surgery is a veterinary procedure used to remove tumors or abnormal growths from a pet’s body. Tumors can develop in many forms and may appear anywhere, including on the skin, in muscles, or inside internal organs.
A tumor refers to an abnormal overgrowth of cells. Some tumors are harmless and grow slowly, while others may be cancerous and require prompt treatment.
Request an AppointmentTumors can be categorized as:
- External tumors: Masses that can be felt on the skin or beneath the skin.
- Internal tumors: Growths that develop inside organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, lungs, bones, or muscles.
Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes. If your pet develops a new lump or swelling, contact our team for an evaluation.
Why Early Tumor Detection Is Important
Internal tumors are often difficult to detect in their early stages. As they grow, they may begin affecting your pet’s behavior, posture, appetite, or overall health.
Routine wellness exams, bloodwork, and diagnostic testing help veterinarians identify potential health changes earlier. The earlier a tumor is discovered, the more treatment options may be available.
Regular veterinary care is one of the best ways to monitor your pet’s health. You may also want to explore our preventive care services for dogs to help detect health concerns before they become serious.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Tumor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your pet may have a mass or tumor that requires evaluation:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal swelling or distension
- Lameness or swollen limbs
- Lumps or bumps that grow in size
Not every lump is cancerous, but any new growth should be examined by a veterinarian.
Benign vs Malignant Tumors
Tumors are generally classified as either benign or malignant.
Benign tumors usually grow slowly and remain localized. They do not typically spread to other areas of the body.
Malignant tumors, also known as cancer, have the ability to spread to other tissues and organs through a process called metastasis.
The only reliable way to determine the type of tumor is through diagnostic testing. Your veterinarian may collect a tissue sample through biopsy or fine needle aspiration and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
Common benign masses include fatty tumors called lipomas, while other masses such as mast cell tumors may require surgical removal and additional treatment.
What Happens During Mass Removal Surgery?
When surgical removal is recommended, your veterinarian will carefully remove the mass along with a margin of surrounding tissue to reduce the chance of recurrence.
After removal, the mass is typically sent to a laboratory for histopathology. This testing confirms the tumor type and helps determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
If surgery is recommended, our team will guide you through every step of the process and help ensure your pet receives safe, compassionate care.
If you discover a lump on your pet or notice any concerning symptoms, please call (720) 306-9900 or contact our veterinary team to schedule an examination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tumor Removal for Pets
Are all lumps on pets tumors?
Not all lumps are tumors. Some may be cysts, infections, or fatty deposits. However, any new lump should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause.
How can I tell if my pet’s lump is cancerous?
It is impossible to determine whether a mass is cancerous just by looking or feeling it. A biopsy or lab analysis is required to confirm the diagnosis.
When should a tumor be removed?
Tumors are often removed if they grow rapidly, cause discomfort, interfere with normal movement, or have the potential to be cancerous.
Is tumor removal surgery safe for pets?
Most mass removal surgeries are routine procedures performed under anesthesia. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests beforehand to ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery.
Can tumors come back after removal?
Some tumors can recur depending on the type and whether cancer cells spread beyond the removed area. Follow-up monitoring helps detect recurrence early.
How often should pets be checked for lumps?
Pet owners should regularly check their pets for new lumps or bumps during grooming or petting. Routine veterinary exams also help identify abnormal growths early.