My Cat Has Sebaceous Adenoma! Are These Bumps Dangerous?

It can be quite scary to find a new lump on your pet. Almost every time, our first thought is “cancer.” However, not all lumps are signs of this scary condition. Some are harmless, like sebaceous adenoma. The latter is a benign tumor that originates from ducts or glands.

In this guide, you will learn more about this health condition in cats, and discover its symptoms, complications, and the treatment options available.

Sebaceous Adenoma In Cats

Sebaceous adenoma is a common skin tumor that cats develop as they grow older. They are linked to your pet’s sebaceous glands which produce an oily substance named sebum.

While the sebaceous adenoma looks scary, like warts, it is a typical tumor in cats and there is no reason to panic when you find one. It is a non-cancerous tumor that doesn’t pose any danger and it can be left untreated in most cases. It can appear on multiple parts of the cat’s body including neck, head, back, limbs and eyelids. They are often hairless and look like cauliflower rooted firmly into the skin.

Sebaceous adenoma in cats is diagnosed by a vet. They might ask you questions about the appearance and number of masses growing on the cat’s body. The vet will also perform a physical examination to determine whether the mass contains oil or is attached to the skin. They may also perform a fine needle aspiration that removes some cells from the growth for further evaluation and diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of sebaceous adenoma in cats can take several forms. In most cases, these tumors don’t affect pets negatively. If the growth does not progress, you can leave it untreated as long as it does not bother the cat.

Sometimes, these tumors can turn malignant. If you see multiple tumors growing on the body or the color of the tumor starts to change, you should consult a vet to determine what’s going on.

Sometimes, you may need to get the adenoma removed through a surgical procedure. The vet can administer a local anesthetic before removing the mass. This is necessary when the tumor is growing near the eyelid or mouth of your cat.

Grooming procedures can also sometimes cause a wound in the area and require attention. If you find the tumor breaking open and bleeding or getting infected from chewing or rubbing, you should visit a vet.

Large Lump Appeared On Cat Overnight?

It is not uncommon to see your pet developing a lump overnight. Lumps can appear on any part of the body and there are several reasons these growths develop so quickly. Since they can be both cancerous and non-cancerous, it’s important to take your pet to a vet to assess the cause of the lump and get treatment.

The most common causes of an overnight lump include sebaceous cysts and adenomas. While sebaceous cyst occurs from blocked hair follicles, the sebaceous adenoma is a tumor originating from the glands that produce sebum. These lumps are harmless and may not need surgical intervention but it’s still a good idea to confirm the nature of the lump at the nearest animal clinic.

If your feline seems to be fine and the lump is not painful or smelling, it may not be an emergency and you can wait before you schedule an appointment with the vet. However, if the pet is lethargic, shows signs of illness, or has lost its appetite, you should head directly to a hospital.

Sebaceous Adenoma vs Papilloma

Both sebaceous adenoma and papilloma are benign tumors that grow at a slow rate and are harmless. Sebaceous adenoma is a non-cancerous tumor affecting the sebaceous glands and it can develop anywhere on the skin. Older cats are more likely to develop these tumors.

Sebaceous papilloma, on the other hand, is a benign growth that resembles warts seen in humans. They are small, rough, and round. They can generally be found around the mouth area although they can develop anywhere on the body including eyelids and paws.

Sebaceous papilloma, unlike adenoma, is caused by a virus. Since younger cats are less immune to viruses, they are the primary age group that is affected while older cats are less likely to develop these warts. As the animal’s immune system gets stronger, the wart usually goes away on its own.

Both types of tumors can be removed surgically if secondary complications are noted.