Mass and Tumor Removal Surgery

Discovering a lump or growth on your pet can be concerning, but at TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso, we’re here to help guide you through the next steps with compassion and expertise. Mass and tumor removal surgery is a common and often necessary procedure to ensure your pet’s health and comfort. Whether the growth is benign or potentially cancerous, early evaluation and surgical removal can play a critical role in your pet’s long-term well-being.

Why Remove a Mass or Tumor?

Not all lumps are cancerous, but many can grow, become irritated, infected, or interfere with normal movement or organ function. Surgical removal is often recommended when:
- The mass is growing or changing in appearance
- It is located in a sensitive area (e.g., near joints, eyes, or genitals)
- It bleeds, ulcerates, or causes discomfort
- There is concern it may be malignant (cancerous)

Diagnostics Before Surgery

Before recommending surgery, we often perform diagnostics to better understand the nature of the mass:
- Fine needle aspirate (FNA) or biopsy to assess cell type
- Bloodwork to ensure your pet is a good surgical candidate
- Imaging (such as X-rays) to check for internal involvement or spread

These tests help us determine the safest and most effective surgical approach for your pet.

The Surgery Process

Mass removal is typically performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the size and location, the surgery may involve simple excision or more extensive tissue removal:
- Local excision with clean margins to prevent regrowth
- Deeper dissection if the mass is attached to muscle or connective tissue
- In some cases, removal of nearby lymph nodes if spread is suspected

We prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort through every stage of the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

- Pain medication is prescribed to aid in post operative comfort
- An e-collar is often recommended to prevent licking
- Sutures are typically removed after 14 days
- Pathology results (if submitted) typically return in 5–7 business days
- Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and discuss next steps as needed

What Happens After Mass Removal?

The removed tissue is often submitted for histopathology (biopsy) to determine if the mass is benign or malignant. Based on those results, additional treatment such as further surgery, monitoring, or oncology intervention/referral may be discussed.

Many masses, especially benign growths like lipomas or cysts, require no further treatment after removal. In other cases, early detection and surgical excision can be life-saving.

Why Choose TLC Animal Hospital?

At TLC Animal Hospital, we combine surgical expertise with genuine care for every pet and their family. Our mass removal services include:
- Thorough diagnostics and honest communication
- Safe, modern anesthesia and surgical monitoring
- Skilled surgical techniques tailored to your pet
- Detailed aftercare and support during recovery

Schedule a Mass Evaluation Today

If you’ve noticed a new or changing lump on your pet, don’t wait. Early evaluation can make all the difference. Call TLC Animal Hospital in El Paso today to schedule an exam and discuss whether mass removal surgery is right for your pet.