From:
Debbie Utter
Date: 2002-05-14 14:17:00 UTC
Subject: Lump - biopsy vs removal
Correction to post! The message should state that the vet is
UNcomfortable removing the mass due to its size...
----- Original Message -----
From: Debbie Utter
To: FHL
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 2:15 PM
I posted a week ago regarding a lump on Phoebe's head. I was
asking for a vet referral or a confirmation of treatment. In
addition to xray and CBC, vet was planning to anesthetize
Phoebe and do a biopsy on the lump and send it off for
histopath. I called the vet's ofice to see if he would be
comfortable simply removing the lump, rather than just taking
a piece for biopsy. This mass is growing, and I'd like it to
come off. If the biopsy shows something (and even if it
doesn't), the mass will just continue to grow so I'd like it
removed. The vet tech talked to the vet, and told me that he
is comfortable removing the mass due to its size, which is why
he was going with the biopsy. I guess i'll cancel (or
postpone) tomorrow's biopsy and seek the opinions of those on
the list that have experience with this. When is a mass too
big (or risky) to remove? Should I have the biopsy done, and
not remove the mass? What possible results would the biopsy
give, as far as providing next steps? If the mass is already
too big to remove (sorry, I don't have the measurements), and
it keeps growing like it has been, surgical removal won't be
any easier next week, or the week after. What's the benefit
of the biopsy? To show that if this is a cancer we can make a
decision to let her go? I'm just confused and need some help
knowing what to do.
I want to thank those who answered my post last week. I have
been afraid to answer directly because my computer has been
hit with a virus. Most felt both the xray and bloodwork were
a good idea, and opted for removal of the mass rather than
just a biopsy. I also received some vet referrals for help
with Phoebe's mass and/or adrenal surgeries for her and
Templeton, and I'll be giving the Brockport Animal Hospital a
call to make the arrangements...depending on the list's
consensus of this mass (biopsy [then what?] versus outright
removal if it's not too big).