Lump or mass removal, with a needle test the same visit
Many lumps are benign (not cancerous), but you cannot reliably tell what a mass is just by looking at it or feeling it. A small needle sample can often give us important information about what the lump is and whether further testing or removal is recommended.
When to have a lump checked
Signs a lump should be checked
- It is new or you have only recently noticed it
- It is growing or changing in shape, color, or texture
- It feels firm or fixed in place
- It is ulcerated, bleeding, or draining
- Your pet keeps licking, chewing, or scratching at it
- It is in a difficult location, such as an eyelid, leg, paw, or near a joint
Size alone cannot tell us whether a lump is harmless or concerning. Small masses can be significant, while large masses may be benign. The best way to know what a lump is often starts with examining it and taking a small needle sample.
What we do
We start with a sample whenever appropriate
A fine-needle aspirate — a small sample collected with a needle — takes only a few minutes and often requires no sedation. It can provide valuable information about the mass and help us decide what should happen next.
- Fine-needle aspirate, often during the same visit
- Cytology and impression smears, with cells evaluated under a microscope in our in-house laboratory
- Surgical removal in our own operating room when recommended
- Reconstructive surgery when needed following mass removal
- Histopathology of removed tissue, with the results reviewed and explained to you
What we treat
Skin tumors, fatty lumps (lipomas) and cysts
We evaluate and treat many types of masses, including skin tumors, lipomas, cysts, soft-tissue masses, and some oral and internal masses. When surgery is appropriate, many masses can be removed here in our surgical suite.
We do not provide chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If testing shows that your pet would benefit from an oncologist or another specialist, we will explain the findings clearly and help you with the appropriate referral.
Common questions
Questions we are asked
Can you tell from looking whether a lump is cancer?
No. Many lumps are benign (not cancerous), but you cannot reliably tell what a mass is just by looking at it or feeling it. A small needle sample can often give us important information about what the lump is and whether further testing or removal is recommended.
Does every lump need to be removed?
No. Plenty are left alone and measured over time. We remove when the sample, the site, the rate of growth or the discomfort justifies it, and we say which of those reasons applies.
Will it be sent to a laboratory afterward?
Yes. Removed tissue goes for histopathology, with the results reviewed and explained to you.
Call us or schedule a visit
Call us with your questions, or to schedule a visit for your pet.
- Address
- 6937 Warner Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647 - Hours
- Monday – Saturday, 9 AM – 8:30 PM · Tue to 6 PMSunday: closed.
- Phone
- (714) 274-9305