Quote Originally Posted by stormiebaby View Post
Hi,

I have just noticed today that my hamster has a huge lump on its side. He doesnt look very well either and he isnt his chirpy self I am very worried about him and have booked an appointment for him at the vets but they cant see him for some while Has anybody elses hamster had this?? It must have come up within 2 days so it was very quick...

please help

stormiebaby xx
Sounds very much like the tumor Whisk had

Fingers crossed it is just an abscess and not a tumor...

Abscess
Abscesses occur when a bite, scratch or wound becomes infected and pus forms under the skin resulting in a lump. Often the bite or scratch may go unnoticed. Indeed by the time the lump is noticed the bite or scratch which originally became infected may have healed so it is often difficult to establish whether the lump is an abscess or a tumour.

If a bite or scratch can be seen on the lump then it is almost certainly an abscess. An abscess will require the pus to be drained and a course of antibiotics may be needed to treat the infection and so veterinary treatment must be sought. In extreme cases it may be necessary to visit the vet regularly as the pus may need to removed more than once whilst the infection clears.
Tumors
Internal tumours such as those involving internal organs may be difficult to treat but many external tumours can be successfully surgically removed.

A hamster suffering from cancer may develop a hard lump which can increase in size quite quickly. It is often difficult to distinguish between a tumour and an abscess. A tumour may be accompanied by fur loss, lethargy, poor condition or wasting but not always.