This is a very common problem that vets confront. If it looks and feels like a lipoma, it probably is BUT I have seen plenty of mast cell tumours and some soft tissue sarcomas that feel like lipomas. I certainly see many patients whose owners have been told a lump was of no concern only to found out months later that it was malignant. So, the safest bet is always to test. Fine needle aspiration is a simple procedure and typically doesn't need sedation. It is a very poor test to find out what a lump is, but if it only reveals fat, it strongly suggests a diagnosis of lipoma. If a decision is made not to test, then the mass should be rechecked often enough so that if it is growing it is definitely tested.
_________________ _______________ Dr Ken Wyatt BSc BVMS FANZCVS Specialist Veterinary Oncologist Perth Veterinary Oncology
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