Cat had x-ray, has 'mass' in his chest.

[wufti]

c-word not mentioned by vet, but outline of growth/mass in his chest visible on x-ray. 15 year old sweetie, vet advised that not worth operating as would most likely involve removing a rib to get access to the growth. Took him to vet as been suffering from wheezy cough, which looks to be as a result of pressure from this lump on his bronchial tubes. Vet knows of cat in the practice who has lump in chest and still going strong after 6 months so have to keep fingers crossed that he can keep going a bit longer in good health

Did the vet actually give you a prognosis?

Had daughter with me, so no specific diagnosis given. Had just assumed it was cancer, tbh

I'd consider giving her a phone to discuss the prognosis. (What sort of course the illness is likely to take.) There may be some thought of palliative care to keep him easy in the short term even though the basic problem may be inoperable.

Awful for you. Have you had him for a long time?

Nastycat had a huge mass, 12 cm long and 4 cm in diameter, in her abdomen not long after we got her (she has not been a cheap pet to keep). She had all sorts of tests and an inconclusive biopsy. It didn't seem to be bothering her so we decided to wait and see. That was eight years ago, it disappeared over the course of a year and we never knew what it was. There is always hope.

Thanks for all your replies. Due a checkup in a couple of weeks, will ask more questions then.

All the best to her. Let us know how things go.

Sorry, him.