Is this a tumor or an abcess?

[snipsnsnailsx5]

I've done a lot of research online this morning and am getting ready to call the vet. However, I'd like to get my facts straight before I go. I've read of horror stories of rat owners going through all this treatment only to have to euthanize their rattie because there is no treatment for that particular tumor.
My rat is a year old, male. The lump showed up yesterday or the day before. He is eating and drinking fine. The lump is hard with a opening or scabbed over cut on the top of it. Its located under his ear on the side of his face.

We will take him to the vet, but if its only going to cause pain and suffering then we'll opt to just have him put to sleep. He is my 8 yr old son's rat-first pet rats ever. The cage mate is doing fine.

Here are photos:

SO...can it be treated with a warm compress at home, or is it likely something more serious that would probably end in euthanization?

 

[MMak]

Looks like an abcess to me (due to the scab on top). Apply warm compresses and talk to your vet about it if you're feeling uncomfortable with it.
Some others who are more abcess-experienced on here should reply with other helpful tips soon
If warm compresses aren't working, the vet may need to lacerate it.

 

[victoria]

It sounds like an abscess to me too. I believe facial tumours are very painful, although I have no experience. You can try a warm abscess but it's probably best to get antibiotics too, just so the infection doesn't travel to his eye, nose, bone, or ear canal.

 

[Moon]

Facial lumps of any sort are particularly tricky It does sound like it may be an abscess and since it's on the face I'd hugely recommend antibiotics. If it's a tumour, though, that can be a whole different situation.

Be very careful to find a rat knowledgeable vet. Many vets who treat rats don't have much updated information.

 

[LA]

I agree with all said. Give it a sniff, if it's smelly (and I mean gross) that's definitely an abscess.

 

[ATez]

Oh, poor little guy. I'm not the expert most people are here but a trip to the vet will tell you what it is. Best of luck!!!

 

[jorats]

I sure hope it's an abscess but not a tooth abscess, those are very hard to treat. The location could mean a zymbal gland tumour which nothing can be done to treat it, even removal won't work as it comes right back.
What you could do when you go to the vet is that you'd like to treat it as an abscess. The location, I'd ask for either Clavamox or Chlorpalm. If all you can get is Baytril, then that's better than nothing.