Lump on the Nose That Breaks Open and Heals
by Charron
(FL)
Reader Question
Lily, a 10 yr old pit, has had a dime sized, slightly soft, lump above her nose. Began about a year ago. Has broken open and oozes then heals. Over several months has become quarter sized, shiny. Doesn’t bother her. Vet tried needle biopsy, didn’t get any cells. Just had blood test yesterday to see if can be put on prednisone. Talk of biopsy, radiation, chemo. Can’t this be excised and biopsied? Pictures attached
Answer from Our Team
Yes, removing it and sending it for biopsy is often a reasonable option. But the nose has little spare skin, so wide margins are hard to get there, and some tumors need wider removal than a simple excision. That's why vets sometimes want a diagnosis first and discuss radiation or chemotherapy.
Ask whether a small incisional biopsy can be done first, or whether referral to a surgeon or oncologist makes sense.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
