Cat and Dog Mass Removal Services in Myrtle Beach, SC
Finding a lump or abnormal growth on your dog or cat can be alarming. Whether it turns out to be a benign tumor or something more concerning like a malignant tumor, getting a prompt and accurate answer matters. At Coastal Veterinary Care, our Myrtle Beach veterinary team provides expert dog mass removal and cat mass removal services backed by same-day digital cytology, so you never have to wait long for answers about your pet’s health.
Our fear-free certified team understands the worry that comes with discovering a mass on your pet. We are here to walk you through every step, from initial evaluation to surgical removal and recovery, with the compassion and honesty you deserve.
When to See a Veterinarian About a Mass on Your Pet
Not every lump requires surgery, but every lump deserves a professional look. Schedule a physical examination if you notice any of the following on your dog or cat:
- A new lump or bump under the skin that wasn’t there before
- A mass that is growing rapidly or changing shape
- Swelling near a lymph node area, such as the neck, armpit, or groin
- A growth that appears red, ulcerated, or irritated
- Your pet licking, scratching, or showing discomfort around the area
- Lumps on older dogs or senior cats, which carry a higher risk of malignancy
Early detection gives your pet the best chance at a positive outcome. If a mass turns out to be a mast cell tumor, soft tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or infiltrative lipoma, identifying it sooner allows for more treatment options and often a simpler surgical procedure.
How We Diagnose Masses at Coastal Veterinary Care
Fine Needle Aspirate and Digital Cytology
The first step in evaluating any lump is typically a fine needle aspirate. This quick, minimally invasive procedure collects a tissue sample from the mass using a small needle. At Coastal Veterinary Care, we offer same-day digital cytology, which means you can often receive preliminary results during the same visit rather than waiting days for an outside lab. This technology allows our veterinary team to evaluate tumor cells and mast cells quickly and begin planning next steps right away.
Excisional Biopsy and Histopathology
When cytology alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, we may recommend an excisional biopsy. During this procedure, the entire mass is removed and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Histopathology identifies the exact tumor type, whether margins are clean margins or incomplete margins, and whether the growth is a benign mass or cancerous tumor.
Advanced Imaging
For masses that may involve an internal organ or surrounding tissues, or if we need to evaluate whether a malignant mass has spread to a lymph node or elsewhere, we may recommend a CT scan or other imaging. This information helps our veterinary surgeon plan the safest approach for surgical resection.
What to Expect During Mass Removal Surgery
Before Surgery
Our team provides detailed pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines and pre-anesthetic bloodwork. For senior and overweight pets, additional screening may be recommended to confirm they are safe candidates for general anesthesia.
The Surgical Procedure
During tumor removal surgery, your pet is placed under general anesthesia with continuous monitoring by our trained staff. Our veterinary surgeon performs a surgical excision with the goal of achieving wide margins around the tumor to help reduce the chance of regrowth. The surgical site is closed carefully, and the removed tissue is sent for histopathology when needed.
Recovery and Follow-Up
After surgery, we monitor your pet closely until they are fully awake and comfortable. Pain medication is provided to manage discomfort at home, and we send you home with clear aftercare instructions. If pathology results indicate incomplete margins or a more aggressive tumor type, we will discuss whether a second surgery, radiation therapy, or another treatment option may be recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my pet's mass is cancerous?
You cannot tell by appearance alone. A fine needle aspirate or excisional biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Our same-day digital cytology can often give you preliminary results the same day, helping your veterinarian determine next steps quickly.
Is mass removal surgery safe for older pets?
Yes. With proper pre-anesthetic bloodwork and careful monitoring during general anesthesia, veterinary surgery is safe for most older dogs and senior cats. Our team tailors anesthetic protocols to each patient’s age and health status.
What is the difference between a benign and malignant mass?
A benign tumor does not spread to other parts of the body and is typically less aggressive. A malignant tumor, such as a mast cell tumor or soft tissue sarcoma, has the potential to invade surrounding tissues or spread to a lymph node or internal organ. Histopathology after surgical removal provides the most accurate information about your pet’s prognosis.
What happens if margins come back incomplete?
If the pathology report shows incomplete margins, meaning tumor cells were found at the edge of the removed tissue, your veterinarian may recommend a second surgery to achieve a clean margin, or discuss radiation therapy as an alternative depending on the tumor type and location.
Do you remove masses on cats as well?
Absolutely. Our mass removal surgery services cover both dogs and cats. Cats can develop many of the same growths, including mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and other types requiring surgical excision. Our approach to diagnosis, veterinary surgery, and aftercare is the same for feline patients.
Why Choose Coastal Veterinary Care for Mass Removal in Myrtle Beach
At Coastal Veterinary Care, we combine advanced diagnostic tools with genuine compassion to give your pet the best care possible. Our same-day digital cytology means you are not left waiting and worrying for days. Our fear-free certified team makes the experience as comfortable as possible for your pet, and we take the time to educate you on every treatment option so you can make confident decisions. From veterinary medicine diagnostics to tumor removal and follow-up care, we are with you every step of the way.
Contact Us today to schedule your pet’s parasite prevention consultation.