My cat has a gray mass under his tongue. Is it cancer or saliva?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very likely a malignant tumor unfortunately. Cats are very well known for having a mouth tumor called squamous cell carcinoma which carries a poor prognosis. However, it could still be something else. The only way to know is by doing some sampling via fine needle aspiration or possibly a biopsy. If squamous cell carcinoma is confirmed, it is not likely to respond to medications much other than mild decrease in inflammation. Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is limited by how aggressive this tumor is though sometimes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are options. Sorry for the sad news. Let's hope it is more on the benign side. Good luck and have a great day!

The most common causes of oral tumors in cats are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma. A black tumor would be more suspicious of melanoma. In either of these cases, you want to get it removed and identified soon, because they are all cancerous. However, there are many benign (non- cancerous) causes of nodules in the mouth, so don't worry too much yet. A veterinarian may see it and not be as concerned based on the appearance. I hope that helps and all turns out OK with Alexis.

This might need to be removed surgically, the best way to find out is to take her to the vet, they will aspirate a small sample with a syringe and needle from the lump, then they will send it to the lab to find out if the tumor is cancerous or benign. if it is cancerous it will need to be removed for sure, but even if it is benign, due to the symptom it causes, your vet might advise surgical removal.

Poor Flower! Since the growth on her upper lip has not dramatically grown, ruptured, or caused her to feel ill over the past few months, an abscess seems unlikely at this point. My biggest suspicion since it has steadily grown and another lesion is occurring on the left side as well is that this may be a benign or malignant mass. Unfortunately, the only way to definitively diagnose this type of lesion is by taking Flower to the vet to have a fine needle aspirate cytology or biopsy performed so that cells in the lesions can be examined microscopically. As these masses grow, my concern is that they may rupture and become infected, or grow so large that they make it difficult for Flower to eat. If you are able to pursue treatment for these masses, it is always better to start sooner rather than later. I hope that all goes well!

This looks like some type of mass that is growing on the gingival/skin margin. Cats can be prone to different skin tumours some cancerous and some benign, I would urge you to get this tested or removed by your vet in case it is cancerous. In the worst case scenario surgery is often curative for the majority of skin cancers thankfully

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

It could be cancer, but given Dale is five years old, it's not very likely. It would be more likely to be a benign lump. 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 its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call to make him an appointment. I hope this helps!