Cures for External Tumors on Hamsters

As with most life forms, hamsters become more susceptible to illness and disease as they age. An increasing incidence of tumors, both external and internal, are being treated by exotic pet veterinarians that specialize in the care of these pocket pets. Similar to the case with humans, tumors can be either benign or cancerous, and quick treatment can make the difference between life and death.

  1. Surgical Removal

    • The only real cure for an external tumor on a hamster is to have it removed surgically by an experienced veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets. Surgery is easier to perform when the tumor is still relatively small in comparison to the size of the animal. The veterinarian will place the animal under anesthesia, remove the mass and a small amount of tissue surrounding it. The tumor and additional cells will then be and sent to a pathologist who will determine if the tumor itself is benign or cancerous, and if the area surrounding the mass has been invaded by cancer cells. Typically, if cancer cells are found in the surrounding tissue, that means it has already begun to spread into the hamster's bloodstream.

    Prognosis

    • The hamster's chance for survival depends greatly on the type of tumor and its location on the body. According to Ask The Vet, malignant tumors tend to grow fast and kill the affected hamster quickly, and many veterinarians recommended ending the animal's inevitable pain through euthanasia as soon as the animal appears to be suffering. Although benign external tumors can often be surgically removed with great success, there is always a chance of recurrence with any type of skin cancer. This can pose a problem to the pet if the tumor is located in an area that interferes with its comfort level and mobility, which can diminish the quality of its short life.

    Causes

    • Although there is evidence that points to hormonal imbalance as the main cause for many of the most common internal tumors in hamsters, which the Animal Health Center identifies as those that affect the thyroid and adrenal glands, there is little information on the exact cause of external tumors on the skin. Older hamsters are more prone to developing tumors, and those that have been inbred are also considered higher risk.