Melanoma?- Surgery went well!

[RattusNorvegicus]

On December 31st I noticed a black lump just below Luma's shoulder blades. I had a picture, but unfortunately it seems I have deleted it. It looked like a perfect mole. It now looks like this:

It is raised now like a little mountain. It hasn't bled and as far as I know the raised part has not fallen off.

If you touch it while making her popcorn for example, she will walk with her back arched for a second, then scratch it. My vet is concerned about it, and would like to have it removed. I can't afford to have it removed, but if I get a job and it is still possible, I definitely will.

Jorats and Lilspaz, could this be causing her congested breathing issues? I am asking you two since I have a post on the FB's rat shack and you two helped me out. If you can recall Luma's issues since you two help a lot of people out that is. Luma's breathing doesn't get worse at a specific time like it did before but now it's anytime, most of the time.

I was wondering if those of you who have experienced this could share your stories. Or those who could share any information on it. I did a search and read about a couple, but would really like more information on it or whatever this may be. Ideas would be nice too if it doesn't seem to be a Melanoma.

 

[lilspaz68]

It looks like a "lumpy bumpy" to me. I have seen similar things, and they are just surface issues, and will have nothing to do with her resp issues. Sometimes these things will come off on their own, other times they will just stay for their lives..unless it grows or becomes a real problem just get used to it.

 

[jorats]

I wonder if that could be a keratoacanthoma. http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/ke ... nthoma.php

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

It really makes me feel better that it may just be a strange lump. I don't mind it at all, I just hope she doesn't.

Hm..It doesn't really look the same as the hairless guys lump, Luma's is much blacker, and more dry looking?

 

[lilspaz68]

I wonder if that could be a keratoacanthoma. http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/ke ... nthoma.php

those are usually on the cheek, remember when Lilith had one?

 

[mamarat]

Both Morris and Evie had one like that on their backs.

 

[jorats]

I wonder if that could be a keratoacanthoma. http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/ke ... nthoma.php

those are usually on the cheek, remember when Lilith had one?

I wonder why they are just on the cheeks?
I also remember those on mamarat's, but I don't believe they were dark, was it mamarat? I'm pretty sure it's keratin related, gunk and junk.

 

[lilspaz68]

Hmmm just checked ratguide, mine and the case studies were on the cheeks but they are in the hair follicles, but even if it is they are usually "self-healing". I guess it could happen anywhere.

Declan had one of these on him, never affected him, or caused any issues. It also didn't grow. I would say its a watch and wait to see if it changes or grows and causes issues.

 

[mamarat]

I wonder if that could be a keratoacanthoma. http://ratguide.com/health/neoplasia/ke ... nthoma.php

those are usually on the cheek, remember when Lilith had one?

I wonder why they are just on the cheeks?
I also remember those on mamarat's, but I don't believe they were dark, was it mamarat? I'm pretty sure it's keratin related, gunk and junk.

Both were more the color in the picture.

 

[hopefloats]

that is just odd looking.. It kinda looks like a skin tag that people get but different colors.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I will keep an eye on it.

 

[ChrisK]

Just saw this post. This looks very similar to what my Lollipop had. It was a black growth behind her ear. It grew gradually, and eventually she started scratching at it. We took her to the vet and had it removed. The vet told us it was a melanoma, but not to worry, that it's not as bad as it sounds. She recovered well from the surgery. It never grew back, and she lived another year and a half.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

So awhile ago the lump became more raised which fell off. I believe the raising had to do with her itching it. The lump is starting to feel more attached and she doesn't like me touching it. It has gotten larger in diameter and is now oval shaped. Sadly I don't think it's just a lump anymore. What happens if Melanomas don't get removed?

I believe I could get it removed at this time, but I can't explain the fear and stress of Lu going through surgery! She is my baby. :heart:

If it comes to it I would like to be there when they put her under and for the surgery, though I doubt vets allow that.

 

[Aida]

Well, it grows on and on, I guess until it becomes a BIG problem. However, I don't have enough expeirience with melanoma in rats so I can't say.

What I can say is to not worry about the surgery. Just get a vet who knows what's he's doing, and everything will be perfectly fine. This would be a form of surgery where they don't even need to go inside the body cavity, just make a cut on the surface. I don't see how anything could go wrong.

 

[jorats]

I don't have experience with melanoma but I'd definitely ask the vet what he thinks of both outcome with removal and without. You could also do a biopsy.

 

[Joanne]

I would probably get it removed. I don't like that it's uncomfortable. Nor that it's becoming fixed. Nor that it's changing and growing. These are all bad things. If she's healthy enough for anaesthetic, I would go for it. If you can afford it, send it for pathology too so you know what you're dealing with.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

I may have to do so, I don't like it either.

She seems healthy except she has issues with nasal congestion. She just finished a combo of Baytril+Doxy and Baytril+Amoxi (Full courses) to see if it'd clear up the nasal issues but no luck.Do you think that will interfere? Since rats breathe through their nose if she couldn't get air through her nose while under?

 

[Joanne]

I would ask your vet what they think about her respiratory problems as far as the anaesthetic goes. They will let you know if they think she will be OK or not for the surgery.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

OK, thank you. Since she pulls her back in when I feel the lump, I was never able to get my fingers under it until now. It is not connected to anything past her skin. Here is a picture of it now. http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x36 ... lulump.jpg Such an ugly lump on the most beautiful rat.

The wet parted fur makes it look like an eye even more, haahah.

 

[RattusNorvegicus]

As I went over to the cage I noticed Lu fanatically cleaning and noticed her back was covered in blood. She must have scratched it too much and too hard.

I need to relax and schedule a removal. I just keep thinking, what if?