Sebaceous cyst….
come on… say it with me now…….
sebaceousssssssssssssssssssssssssss cyst!!!!
Apparently.. that is what Wilson has… it is “above” the skin… and not below the skin like the masticized tumour he had was… Dr. Hill said that if it was the same type of growth, it would be under the skin. To keep an eye on it for a week or two and see if it changes.,..
But because it was 3/4″ away from the incision of his M*A*S*H operation, yes.. it freaked me out… My one side of me was saying.. “NO.. get rid of it.. he can’t have any more bumps like that because what it it will spread to his liver.. his spleen? Take it off NOW!!!!” And the other part of me said… “Chick…. calm down… not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery!!” So.. he basically drew me a drawing of lumps and bumps.. lol
I have to remind myself that not every lump or bump on your dog will be a tumor.
I found this info…. Some superficial bumps are due simply to plugged oil glands in the skin, called sebaceous cysts. Skin cysts can be composed of dead cells or even sweat or clear fluid; these often rupture on their own, heal, and are never seen again. Others become chronically irritated or infected, and should be removed and then checked by a pathologist just to be sure of what they are. Some breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to developing sebaceous cysts.
And yes, the sebaceous glands in the skin do occasionally develop into tumors called sebaceous adenomas. According to Richard Dubielzig, DVM, of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, “Probably the most commonly biopsied lump from dog skin is a sebaceous adenoma. This does not mean it is the most commonly occurring growth, just that it is most commonly biopsied.” Fortunately this type of skin growth rarely presents trouble after being surgically removed.
So how are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone? Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved. Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.
Did I over-react? I don’t think so… we all know once we deal with this stupid cancer shit… we tend to possible be more on guard with our future four legged kids.. AND… since he has already had a mass removed.. I guess I am going to be more on guard with him in the future. What doesn it hurt? Free vet visits for checkups of lumps and bumps.. an hour or two off work to run for an appointment ocassionally… no problems.. I can handle that.
Thank you all for your calm words, keep my sanity, and over the cyberspace hugs and prayers… they really do work!!
I know.. I will worry about something when there is something to worry about….. but.. that doens’t mean I can’t FREAK OUT in the meantime… !!!!
bark atcha later!