Mass & Tumor Removal Surgery for Dogs & Cats in Nashville & Memphis

Board-certified surgical removal of lumps, masses, and tumors in dogs and cats, performed by DACVS surgeons in Nashville and Memphis. Referrals welcome.

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What are Mass and Tumor Removals?

Mass removals are the surgical removal of a lump, growth, or tumor, whether it sits on the skin, in the soft tissue beneath it, or internally. Some masses are benign, such as a fatty lipoma, while others are malignant and require complete, careful removal. A board-certified surgeon evaluates each mass, plans the removal to fit its type and location, and, when appropriate, sends the tissue for analysis so you get a clear answer about what it was and what, if anything, comes next.

Quick Facts

Removes skin, soft tissue, and internal masses in dogs and cats
Handles both benign masses (such as lipomas) and malignant tumors (such as mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas)
Approach depends on the mass: its type, size, and location, no two are identical
May include a biopsy or needle sample beforehand to plan the surgery
Removed tissue is typically sent for analysis (histopathology) to confirm the diagnosis
Larger removals may need skin reconstruction or a flap to close
Performed by board-certified surgeons (DACVS)
Locations: Nashville (Brentwood) and Memphis (Germantown)

When Should a Mass Be Examined?

Any new lump, or one that is growing, changing, firm, ulcerated, or bothering your pet, is worth having evaluated. Many masses turn out to be harmless, but the only way to know is to check, and the earlier a problematic mass is addressed, the simpler and more successful the removal tends to be. For masses that are malignant, in a difficult location, or too large to close easily, referral to a surgical specialist gives the best chance at a complete, clean removal the first time. Your primary veterinarian may take a small sample first to help plan the right procedure.

Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Mac Maxwell, performing surgery at Apex Veterinary Surgery

What the Procedure Involves

The approach is matched to the mass. Before surgery, your surgeon may recommend a needle sample or biopsy to understand what the mass is, which guides how much tissue needs to come out. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the mass with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue, which matters most for malignant tumors, where removing a clear boundary around the mass reduces the chance it returns. When a removal is large, skin reconstruction or a flap may be used to close the site. The tissue is typically sent to a pathologist, and your surgeon reviews the results with you and outlines any next steps.

Why a Board-Certified Surgeon Matters

With malignant masses, the first surgery is the most important one. Removing a tumor completely, with the right margins and a plan informed by its type, gives the best chance of a cure and avoids repeat procedures. A board-certified surgeon (DACVS) plans the excision, manages difficult locations and closures, and coordinates the pathology and follow-up so nothing is left to chance.

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Raised, hairless skin mass on a dog's leg, the kind of lump evaluated for surgical removal at Apex Veterinary Surgery

Recovery Timeline

Soft tissue recovery is usually quicker than orthopedic surgery, though it depends on the size and location of the removal. This is a general guide; your surgeon’s instructions and the pathology results take priority.

Days 0-3

Rest and incision care at home. Keep the site clean and dry; prevent licking with a cone or cover.

Days 3-14

Limited, calm activity while the incision heals. Watch for swelling or discharge.

Days 10-14

Recheck and suture removal, if sutures were used.

After Pathology

Recheck and suture removal, if sutures were used.

Meet Your Surgeons

Dr. Chase Atwood, DACVS - board certified surgeon at Apex Veterinary Surgery in Nashville, TN

Chase Atwood, DVM, DACVS-SA

Nashville (Brentwood). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University; surgical residency at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. Full bio here.

Dr. Mac Maxwell, DACVS, board-certified veterinary surgeon at Apex Veterinary Surgery

Mac Maxwell, DVM, MS DACVS-SA

Memphis (Germantown). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and surgical residency from Mississippi State University; former assistant professor of small animal surgery. Full bio here.

For referring veterinarians

Apex is a referral-based surgical practice. If you have a canine or feline mass that needs surgical removal, whether a straightforward excision or a complex tumor requiring wide margins and reconstruction, referral is simple and can be accomplished via email, phone, or through the referral form on our website. We keep you informed at every step, coordinate pathology, and return your patient to your care for follow-up. .

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does mass removal cost?

Cost depends on the size, type, and location of the mass, and whether analysis and reconstruction are needed. We give a clear estimate after evaluating the mass, before anything is scheduled.

Are all lumps and masses cancerous?

Many masses are benign, but appearance alone can’t tell you for certain. A needle sample or biopsy, and analysis of the removed tissue, gives a definitive answer. That is exactly why we send tissue to a pathologist after removal.

Will the whole mass be removed?

That’s the goal. For malignant tumors, your surgeon removes a margin of healthy tissue around the mass to reduce the chance it returns. The pathology results confirm whether the margins were complete and guide any next steps.

Is this done for cats as well as dogs?

Yes. We remove masses and tumors in both dogs and cats.

How long is recovery?

Most incisions heal over about 10 to 14 days, with suture removal around that time. Recovery is usually quicker than orthopedic surgery, though larger removals take longer.