Tumors in Birds

What are tumors?

Tumors (also called cancer or neoplasms) are firm tissue growths or swellings that may occur anywhere on a bird’s body. Tumors may be noted protruding from the skin, swelling under the skin, or inside the body cavity. By definition, tumor cells are abnormal cells that grow and multiply out of control. Birds of any age can develop tumors, although they tend to be more common in middle-aged and older birds.

What are the more common types of tumors in birds?

Budgies (parakeets) and cockatiels are known to be affected by a variety of tumors, including preen gland carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lipomas, xanthomas, kidney tumors, and ovarian carcinomas. Larger parrots may be affected by skin, bone, liver, and reproductive tumors.

Are all lumps considered tumors?

No, a lump or a mass can be an abscess, granuloma, ingrown feather, or scar tissue. A swelling on your bird might be an enlarged organ, which swells or increases in size due to disease. In female birds, abdominal swelling may in fact be an egg or a swollen oviduct.

Are all tumors cancerous?

No, as with other pets and people, some tumors are benign (non-fatal) and some are malignant. Malignant (cancerous) tumors may invade surrounding tissues or metastasize (spread) to other locations in the body.

How can I tell what is causing the lump?

You cannot tell what is causing a lump, and sometimes your veterinarian cannot either, without sending a biopsy or the whole tumor off for pathological testing. Tests such as fine needle aspirate (FNA) or biopsy can often diagnose the composition or cause of the lump. Sometimes, it is necessary to perform histologic testing (examination of the tissue microscopically by a pathologist) after surgical removal, to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. Internal masses may require diagnostic tests, including blood tests, radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound, CT scan, or even exploratory surgery to determine the type of tumor and what other organs may be affected by the tumor.

How are tumors treated?

Once a lump is diagnosed as a tumor, surgical removal may be recommended, depending on the location of the tumor and overall health of the bird. Depending upon the size of the tumor and its location, surgical removal may be more challenging and difficult than a similar surgery in a dog or cat. Therefore, the sooner your bird is examined after you notice the abnormal swelling, the better the chance for a successful treatment regimen or surgery.

Not all tumors can be removed surgically. Some tumors that cannot be removed may be de-bulked, if it is deemed beneficial to the animal’s quality of life. With advances in veterinary medicine, there are also options involving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for certain tumor types. Your veterinarian will determine the best path to resolve your bird’s condition. Referral to an avian specialist or veterinary school for further care may be necessary.