Hi Dr. Gotthelf,I have a...

Question
Hi Dr. Gotthelf,
I have a 9 year, female old Maine Coon with a huge, raw swelling
on her gum and upper lip that is pressing on her nose. It's about
the size of a large grape. Her top teeth in front have fallen out
below this lump. Strangely, she doesn't appear to be in any
discomfort. She eats, drinks,sleeps, cuddles and purrs as
always. She is and always has been a strictly indoor cat. I have
taken her to several vets and she has been tested for everything
from cancer to auto immune diseases and everything is
negative. One vet suggested we remove ALL her teeth. I am slowing
going broke trying to get a diagnosis and treatment for my kitty. Any
suggestions of what can be wrong with her?

Answer
I would first X-ray it to see if it is involving the bone or cartilage in that area.  It is probably a mouth or gum tumor. The most common of them is the squamous cell carcinoma.  There are some cystic structures that can show up like that.  Has it been biopsied to see what it is?